The need for simple, reliable and cost-effective dynamic video-based detection systems at vulnerable intersections and along congested roadways is becoming more important in maintaining mobility and safety in many cities across the USA. Two of the best-known names in traffic technology equipment have now partnered on a project to enhance a city’s intersection detection system in Colorado.
Econolite and its Autoscope brand partner Image Sensing Systems (ISS) have announced that the city of Pueblo, Colorado, has chosen the Autoscope RackVision Pro 2 (RVP2) system to enhance video detection performance at its intersections. The Autoscope RVP2 units are equipped with the upgraded software version 10.5.0, which will enable Pueblo to achieve the upgrade, cost effectively, by not having to replace currently-installed cameras, as well as using one RVP2 unit to operate two cameras. The city has ordered 39 RVP2 systems to be installed this year.
The Autoscope RVP2 is a machine vision processor (MVP) designed to meet the intersection detection objectives of vehicle recognition and signal actuation in a typical traffic cabinet. The cost-effective detection system uses the same algorithms that have established Autoscope brand systems as a global leader for wide-area video vehicle detection. The RVP2 detector card is easy to install and works with other manufacturers’ cameras, as well as the ISS Autoscope range. The system’s Mouse & Monitor functionality quickly sets up intersection detection without the need of a laptop.
The Autoscope Software Release Version 10.5.0 includes Cyclescope, which is proven to provide better detection and bicycle differentiation accuracy, including enhanced performance under very complex lighting conditions. A significant advantage to Cyclescope is that it does not require additional roadway markings, product purchases, equipment installations, or maintenance, and can detect and differentiate bicycles made of any material on any approaching lane. The 10.5.0 software is compatible with all existing Autoscope Solo Terra, Rackvision Terra, Encore, and Duo detection systems. In addition to supporting Windows 8, the software brings remote communications capabilities to RVP1 and RVP2 units.
Pueblo was an early adopter of video detection technology, installing video sensors at its actuated intersections starting in 2000. This helped the city to overcome the limitations of other detection technologies that are affected by the extreme seasonal conditions, such as snow and freeze/thaw cycles, which the region frequently experiences. Despite the advantages the city was already getting from its detection, they felt there was room for increased performance. In March 2016, Pueblo began to install Autoscope RVP2 and immediately saw an improvement in detection performance and accuracy.
“Intersections that saw improved detection performance are Northern and Berkley, and Pueblo and Hollywood Drive,” said City of Pueblo traffic engineer Pepper Whittlef. “Both of these locations were frequently in a side street recall, or we received complaints about the signal not servicing the side street. Since the installation of the RVP2s at these locations, we have not had any issues.”
