Computerized Highway Information Processing System

The Computerized Highway Information Processing System or "CHIPS" is a proprietary software package developed by ASTI Transportation Systems. The software was designed to be an all-encompassing yet off the shelf Traffic Management Program that requires minimal programming to adjust to the users specific needs. As such it becomes the ultimate user-friendly system. Some of the modules included are:

• Graphics, such as maps or other on screen visuals. The standard screen might incorporate a map of the area to be monitored. Symbols for the sensors and output devices would be shown at their locations on the map. For example, the symbol for a queue detector would change from green to red when traffic is backed up at that location. Simultaneously, the message being displayed at a message board symbol would change to the user-programmed message. If ramp meters are being used, their status can be displayed with a flashing symbol at the location of the ramp meter if it is on, or an empty or clear symbol if the device is off.

The maps and visuals can be modified by ASTI to suit the users needs thus creating a truly user friendly system.

• Communications, such as;

  • Data Secure Radios operating in the FCC licensed band

  • Data Secure Radios operating in the FHWA band, which eliminates the need to license with the FCC, and offers greater range

  • Telephone (landline to landline and landline to cellular)

• Sensors, such as Queue Detectors, Overheight Vehicle Sensors, Flooded Road sensors, etc. Both digital and analog sensors can be used with the system.

• Output devices, such as Message boards, HAR, Ramp Meters, Pagers, etc.

• Data Logging, for report generation and liability purposes.

As an example of a common system in operation, Queue Detectors would be set up on the highway each with it's own radio transmitter. CHIPS would be at a central location with a base station radio. The Queue Detector would trigger the radio if there were blockage, the radio would report in to the base station radio that there was a blockage. The radio, in turn, sends a signal to CHIPS which changes the color of the Queue Detector symbol on the screen from green to red, so that anybody who sees it will know that a specific Queue Detector is blocked. CHIPS will in turn send a signal to one or more message boards changing the message(s). Simultaneously it can generate telephone calls that can leave voice messages for DOT personnel or incident management teams and activate highway advisory radio.

The system also has the ability to use scenarios supplied by the user. In that case, if Queue Detector #1 is blocked the system will tell message board #1 to change to "STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD" but if Queue Detectors #1 and #2 are blocked the system will have message board #1 say something completely different. The user can make changes to the scenarios easily and on the fly.

Message boards using either radio or cellular telephone can be controlled however radio communications will always be substantially faster.

HARDWARE and SOFTWARE
The hardware and software for CHIPS™ falls into four basic categories. These are outlined briefly below.

1) SENSORS.

The sensors are the instruments, installed along the highway, which take the current readings. The sensors that are manufactured by ASTI for CHIPS™ are:

• The QUICK QUEUE™ Model SQ-D12 Traffic Backup Detector

• The SAFETY PASS™ Model SP-D12 Overheight Vehicle Detector

• The WATER LINE™ Model WL-D12 Flooded Road Detector.

These sensors are manufactured by ASTI and can be added at any time.   Meteorological and Environmental sensors can also be used with CHIPS™.

2) COMPUTER / SENSOR INTERFACE (CSI).

The purpose of the CSI is to collect the analog, digital, and other data from the sensors and present it to the computer in an understandable fashion.

3) SOFTWARE.

The software serves five main purposes. They are:

1. To present the data "on screen" in a clear and easy to understand fashion.

2. To allow constant, periodic, or historical logging on demand.

3. To perform tasks automatically, such as; activating message boards, turning on lights, limiting access, etc.

4. Alerting authorities (DOT, Police, Maintenance, etc.) via telephone or other device.

5. Archive data for statistical or liability purposes.

4) MOTORIST ALERTING DEVICES

Any number and variety of alerting devices can be activated by CHIPS™ such as:

- Message boards and signs (permanent or mobile)
- Warning lights
- HAR
- Etc.

©2002 ASTI Transportation Systems, Inc.