Automated Safety Warning System Controller

WTI will conduct research to develop an “Automated Safety Warning System Controller” that will interface with roadside sensors and signs. The controller will collect automated data and apply best practice algorithms to analyze sensor data and actuate related warning messages and signals.

California has several automated warning systems on the state highways; however, all the systems to date are unique implementations using one-of-a-kind software for system control with the controller being a custom device only used with that particular project’s physical and electrical layout. Currently there is no standardized automated warning system controller which controls field elements in a rural environment. The WTI project team will design and build an automated warning system controller that can be easily configured to acquire sensor data from Roadside Weather Information Systems (RWIS), detection loops, Remote Traffic Microwave Sensors (RTMS) and video detection systems. The controller will include hardware and software interfaces for remote management and data acquisition. In addition, the controller will include extensible programming/scripting capability, allowing for programmed logic implementing the best practice algorithms for condition analysis and identification and corresponding warning signal/message actuation.