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Advanced Traffic Management System

Fastracs™ by Fortran Traffic Systems Limited, is a centralized, integrated platform for Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS). Built upon the T2000C real-time second-by-second control Traffic Signal Control System, Fastracs™ provides system control and information management for your intersections and other ITS initiatives. Fastracs™ provides easy expansion and allows you to add modules as your requirements grow.

Features and Benefits

  • Integrated, centralized control and management for up to 2,000 signalized intersections via an easy-to-use, Geographical Information System (GIS) map-based interface.
  • Windows-based, graphical user interface provides user-friendly system control and manipulation of data while reducing user-training time.
  • Graphical data display accelerates user assimilation.
  • Multi-protocol, multi-media communications support for local controllers, remote communications control units (RCCUs) and other field equipment.
  • GIS-based map interface allows user specified zoom levels from the citywide map down to the individual intersections.
  • Graphical icons provide simple and efficient access to traffic system control, data entry screens, real-time displays, and reports.
  • Use of GUI-based tools allows the user to configure tool bars to their individual tastes, thus enhancing their intuitive operation of the system.
  • Optimized for 32-bit operation under Windows NT, Windows 98, and Windows 95.

Overview

Fastracs™ is an acronym for Fortran Advanced Signal TRansportation And Communication System. It is an Advanced Transportation Management System that represents Fortran’s next generation of hybrid central systems. It provides a centralized, integrated platform for ITS initiatives including traffic signal control, information management, and graphical data display and manipulation. Fastracs™ accelerates user interaction through quick and efficient access to data via GIS-based map graphics and consistent GUI design, thereby improving system operation and facilitating decision making.

Fastracs™ centers around a modular, easy-to-use, graphical user interface (GUI). An intuitive, hierarchical menu system supports centralized transportation management and control of signalized intersections. Fastracs™ extends its graphical user interface to manage other ITS applications and related data. Fortran is willing to work with your existing suppliers to provide a truly integrated solution.

System Architecture

Fastracs™ is supported across a LAN TCP/IP network for improved performance and architecture flexibility. The use of Compaq’s time-proven Alpha Server hardware combined with standard personal computers, commercial software, and related off-the-shelf components allow the system to adapt to changes in technology and the industry.

Fastracs™ provides easy, incremental expansion with minimal impact on existing components. Each operator workstation has full system access capabilities including your remote dial-in users. By integrating developing standards, such as the NTCIP protocol, Fastracs™ can easily support numerous controllers types and other ITS hardware. When using manufacturer provided protocols, Fastracs™ provides cost-effective communication options.

The Fastracs™ architecture is illustrated above. The Dedicated Traffic Application Server provides overall system control and supervision. A Database/Network Server is used for system management and data storage. The Communication Subsystem includes the PC-MASCOM and modem rack. The number of PC-MASCOMs required depends on the field equipment requirements and communication network architecture. User interface to the system is provided by User Workstations connected to the Traffic Applications Server over the local area network or dial-in facilities.

Each PC-MASCOM supports up to sixty-four (64) communication channels to the field using existing Fortran protocols. Communication protocols support direct or multi-drop channels, and master/slave channels. Communication cost effectiveness can be further improved by using communication concentrators.

The local traffic signal control field equipment can include Peek Transyt 3000 and LMD controllers, and Wapiti W4IKS firmware for 170 controllers, in addition to Fortran RCCU devices. RCCUs have been used to successfully control over twenty brands of controllers including NEMA, 170s, pre-timed, and electromechanical. RCCUs simplify operator tasks by providing a common interface to a variety of controllers while enhancing older controllers by providing Time-Based Coordination capabilities. In addition, other devices commonly used in transportation management systems can be integrated into a common communication architecture.

Technical Highlights

Overview

  • Network based server architecture
  • GIS-based Map-driven graphical user interface on operator PCs
    - Windows NT, 2000, or XP
  • OpenVMS Traffic Applications Server
  • Supports multiple communication protocols
  • Time-proven, solid traffic application software
  • Online database changes

Dedicated Traffic Application Server

  • DEC AlphaServer running OpenVMS
  • Used exclusively for providing traffic application functions
  • Controls communication subsystem
    - Up to 8 separate PC-MASCOMs
    - Up to 64 communication channels per PC-MASCOM
  • Import / Export data to third party software
  • Long-term data storage/retrieval/archive
  • Interfaces to SCOOT application server (optional)

Traffic Control Approaches/Models

  • Hybrid Central Control
    - Download / Plan selection
  • Central Real-Time second-by-second Control/Monitoring
    - Once per second to all intersections
  • SCOOT Adaptive Control
    - Adaptive control capability using the SCOOT algorithm
  • Distributed Control (TBC)
    - Upload / Download Plans and date/time for local scheduler operation
    - Central override capability
  • Traffic Responsive
    - Centrally implemented; user-defined equations select plan to be implemented
  • Dial-up Remote Upload / Download
    - Local and remote users can dial-up remote RCCUs/controllers directly
  • Closed-loop
    - Supports Peek M3000 Masters for closed-loop operation

Traffic Responsive Operation

  • User-defined equations define "parameters"
  • Selection plan decisions made based on value of parameters
  • Supports alternate detectors in case of system detector failure

Intersection Control Modes

  • Central Control
    - SCOOT Adaptive (Optional)
    - Traffic Responsive
    - TOD Scheduler
    - Route Pre-emption
  • Remote (TBC) Control
    - TOD Scheduler
    - Dial-up remote access
  • Local
    - Intersection Controller
  • Offline / Manual
  • Closed-loop M3000 Master (Optional)
    - Manual
    - TOD Scheduler
    - Traffic Responsive

GIS-Based Map-Driven Graphical User Interface

  • Graphical display of Citywide, area, and intersection data
  • Easy-to-use menu system
  • Fully zoomable displays
  • Supports image backgrounds with graphical overlays
  • Import formats supported (sample):
    - BMP (Windows Bitmap)
    - DXF (AutoCAD drawing export)
    - ArcView GIS Shape files

GIS-Map Graphical Editor

  • Used for Citywide, area, and intersection data
    - Intersections
    - Detectors
    - Links
    - Vehicle signals
    - Pedestrian Signals
    - Status
  • Placement of dynamic symbols
  • User definable dynamic attributes
    - Intersection status
    - Detector status
    - Phase Colour

Citywide Map

  • Display selections via menu
  • User programmable toolbars for quick access to commonly used functions
  • Status, monitoring, and control available via context sensitive shortcut menus
  • Intersection status – various displays including on/off, flash, pre-empt, coordinated, main street green, etc
  • User-specified pre-set zoom levels
  • Increased status/intersection information

Intersection Displays

  • Signal Colour Status
    - Phase
    - Pedestrian
  • Individual Detector Status
    - System detectors
    - Local detectors
  • Simultaneous Real-Time monitoring
  • Ability to display multiple intersections at once (separate windows)

Database Management

  • Data stored on Database/Network Server
  • Online database changes while traffic system is fully operational
  • Full upload/download/compare feature for local controller/RCCU data
  • Import / Export capability to 3rd party software
  • Data copy capabilities
  • Integrated database backup and archiving

Reports

  • Standard and custom reports
  • Over 35 reports can be generated to specific user requirements
  • Export to 3rd party software for custom report generation/manipulation
  • Operational Status Reports
    - System, groups, intersection, detector, and communications
  • Event Log Reports and Log extract functionality
  • Graphical/text-based MOE reports

Real-Time Reports/Displays

  • Citywide graphic displays
  • Intersection graphic displays
  • Intersection and Group monitors
  • Interactive Time-Space-Diagrams
  • Green Split report
  • Cyclic Flow Profile

Alpha-Server Hardware Requirements

  • Alpha Personal Workstation 600au
  • 256 MB RAM
  • 2 – 4.3 GB hard drives
  • CD ROM drive
  • 4 mm Digital Tape backup
  • 2 Ethernet Interfaces
  • 15" Super VGA monitor, 1024 x 768
  • Digital StorageWorks Unit

Database/Network Server (minimum)

  • Intel Pentium III 933MHz CPU
    •
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 20 GB HD
  • CD-ROM
  • Tape drive
  • Ethernet Network Interface Card
  • 15" Super VGA monitor, 1024 x 768

User Workstation Requirements (minimum)

  • Intel Pentium III 800MHz CPU
    •
  • 256 MB of RAM
  • 10 GB hard disk
  • CD ROM drive
  • Super VGA monitor, 1024 x 768, 17" min.
  • 8 MB of video RAM
  • Ethernet interface
  • Windows NT workstation 4.0 / Windows 95 or later

Communication Subsystem Requirements

  • Rackmount Industrial PC, Pentium processor
  • 4 MB of RAM
  • 200 MB hard disk
  • Ethernet Interface
  • Up to 4 of 16-port Digiboards
  • Appropriate modems for communication media
  • Modem power supplies and racks

Other System Hardware

  • 8-port terminal server
  • Ethernet Hub/Bridge
  • Remote dial-in connection port and modems
  • UPS and Alarm Panel
  • System Clock
  • Automatic dialer
  • Paging Subsystem (optional)
  • Wall Map (optional)
  • Video Projection System (optional)
  • Various printers for reports and logging

Commercial Software Included

  • Alpha OpenVMS base and User licenses
  • Windows NT Server and Client licenses
  • Microsoft SQL server license
  • CONNX for RMS Software including ODBC clients
  • ESRI MapObjects and ArcView

pdficon.gif (224 bytes) Download this document in Adobe Acrobat format for offline viewing or printing.
For comprehensive technical information, please refer to the Summary of Functions & Features and the User Manual.