Traffic Management Interface System
Technical Overview General The main task of TMIS is to provide the TMC Operations and Management with an overview of the state of the traffic management system in real-time. TMIS combines inputs from a number of systems into a uniform spatially oriented view of the traffic network. This view enables the TMC teams to determine the health of the network and initiate basic responses to the system, if necessary, to assist in the day-to-day running of the network. TMIS currently supports a number of elements needed to ensure the smooth operation of the traffic network. A key element integrated as part of TMIS is SCATS. SCATS is the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System that provides adaptive control for over 4000 traffic controlled intersections in the Sydney region. TMIS integrates with SCATS to provide a number of layers that display state information for each of these traffic controlled intersections (TCS). A geographical region wide view is provided for current phase, alarms, congestion, unusual congestion, dwell state, sub-system linkage state and lamp state. A number of these layers allow the user to manage the state of the traffic-controlled intersection from the map. For example, the Dwell Layer allows a suitable authorised user to easily locate and apply a dwell to the selected intersection. A map layer manager allows the TMIS user to quickly customise the traffic management map display by selecting the visible layers for the particular task at hand. In addition, a layer can be easily priority shifted to show information specifically for that layer above all other layers. Support for user preferences, multiple maps and restoring map views on start-up round of the list.
Search and locate are some of the support features provided to assist the TMIS user. TMIS provides extensive searching support for intersections, streets, suburbs and traffic-controlled intersections. The results from the search can be selected and the map will pan and zoom to the specified locations.
Main Features of TMIS Map Layers The TMIS Traffic Management Map supports the spatial view of the traffic network. The basic elements of the traffic network status are represented using a number of map layers shown in the map. The layer manager manages the information visible to the user by switching layers on or off. In addition, the layer manager allows the priority of the various layers to be set. A separate priority boost feature allows the information in the selected layer to be displayed on top of all layers with a single mouse click action. Traffic Network State Display The TMIS Traffic Management Map layers each display different types of state information. Collectively this shows the state of the network. A good example of this is SCATS TCS congestion. Each TCS is shown on the road network and the state, congested or not, is displayed. At low zoom levels more details are displayed. In the case of TCS Congestion, the direction of congestion is displayed showing right turn, left turn or straight through arrows.
Subsystem State Display Another example of information that can be displayed in a layer is the linkages associated with SCATS subsystems. This layer displays the TCS that are linked using a transparent enclosing image along the road. Subsystems that are married or are divorced are displayed using green and blue lines that connect between the subsystems. Detailed subsystem status information is also available in details view for each subsystem. SCATS A Traffic Management Map cannot display all the detailed information necessary to configure and control a TCS. TMIS provides easy access to SCATS- Access. SCATS-Access provides fine control for each intersection. A right click option or double click on a TCS will show the SCATS Access Monitor view for the TCS.
Incident Management The incident layer shows the locations of incidents. The list view shows the current list of incidents with the ability to select an incident and easily find the geographic location of the incident. All the incident details can be displayed. In the case of the Sydney TMC, the incident management system itself can be invoked and used via the TMIS user interface. CCTV The Traffic Management Map includes a CCTV layer and can interface to CCTV control applications. The example on the right shows the CCTV layer in combination with the TCS congestion layer. The image shows the TMIS user is concerned with the congestion at TCS 308 and is in the process of displaying the CCTV image of the camera at TCS 308 on the local workstation monitor (a two mouse-click action).
VMS TMIS includes a VMS system that can be used to display and manage Variable Message Signs. For display, the Traffic Management Map includes a VMS layer. The layer shows a VMS icons (blue in the example) displayed relative to the direction of traffic flow on the road. The blue colour is indicative of the operating state of the VMS. The Traffic Management Map may be configured to display mimics that represent the messages and frames associated with each VMS. These can be located according to the optimum work layout for the user. This layout is persisted for the user in between working sessions. Managing the VMS itself is supported by extensions to TMIS specific to each VMS system type. Emergency Route Management
TMIS can be configured with an Emergency Route Management (ERM) extension. This extension supports maintaining ad-hoc and pre-defined emergency routes as well as the execution of an ER. Execution means moving a green wave through the traffic network and tracking the location of the convoy relative to the green wave. The diagram shows a green wave control screen with the location of the green wave along the route being displayed in the map. Multiple Maps The TMIS client can currently support three maps each in a separate tab. An option is provided to split maps side by side for comparison purposes. Each map and the layers associated with them can be individually configured, for example, different zoom levels. Each map can have its own selection of state information on display. A particular map configuration can be saved and restored in the next session on the workstation for the particular user. The example above shows two maps of the city
CBD side by side. Each of the maps has a layer manager and thus be individually organised as per the TMIS user need. Preferences The TMIS client supports a large number of TMIS user preferences. These are allocated to each user and available between sessions. An example is the ability to configure when layers turn on or off based on the width of the map extent displayed (zoom level) in meters. Using the example Preferences above, the balloon windows are only displayed when the map view is 13 km or less.
Other ITS PTIPS TMIS is designed to support the integration of other Intelligent Transportation Systems. Currently, TMIS is able to integrate the Public Transport Information and Priority System (PTIPS) that is developed by the RTA Traffic System Branch. The PTIPS client application is hosted as part of TMIS and is available as a perspective on demand. From a traffic management point of view, the Traffic Management Map is able to display a map layer of bus routes and bus locations on these routes. In addition, the route details and bus details can also be displayed on the TMIS Map. The image above shows the busses on the 400 bus route along with two views showing specific route timetable adherence and bus details.
TMIS Feature Table Real-time Map Layers Lamp Status Displays the Lamps On, Lamps Flashing Yellow or Lamps Off state for each TCS. Dwell Status Displays the No Dwell, Timed Dwell Applied or Permanent Dwell Applied state for each TCS. Alarm State Displays the no alarm, warning alarm or major alarm indication for each TCS. Current Phase Displays the current phase for the TCS A, B, C, D, F and G for each TCS. Combined State Displays the lamp state, alarm state, dwell state and current phase for each TCS. Unusual Congestion Displays the unusual / no unusual congestion state for each TCS. Congestion Displays the congestion on / off for all TCS or displays the Degree of Saturation (DS) levels for all TCS. Linkages SCATS Subsystems Displays the subsystem configuration layout for each TCS and shows the subsystem married or subsystem divorced for each TCS. Bus Layer Displays the location of the busses in the traffic network. This information is only available if PTIPS is installed within TMIS. ERM Execution Layer Displays the progress of the green wave associated with emergency route management. This information is only available if the ERM component is installed within TMIS. Map Layer Actions Description Access controlled SCATS6 Actions supported from the Traffic Management Map. Dwell Apply a timed or permanent dwell to selected TCS. Lamps Set lamp state to on, off or flashing yellow for selected TCS. Subsystems Set the marriage and divorce states for subsystems. Site Notes Write notes for an user action on the site. Site Messages Send messages to other user working with the site. Static Map Layers
Marker Displays the locations of map-based actions on the map. Provides a simple bookmark mechanism. Provides an identified location on the map for setting locations of incidents, VMS etc. CCTV Cameras Displays the available cameras and activates the associated camera image on the console. SCATS Sites Displays the SCATS TCS locations and TCS number. UBD Grid Ref Displays the UBD grid reference. Regional Roads Displays the regional roads on the map. Local Roads Displays the local roads on the map. Railways Displays the railways on the map. Grid Lines Displays the grid for map distance measurements. Local Roads Displays the local roads on the map. Water Displays the water areas on the map. Parks Displays the park areas on the map. Background Displays a raster image such as UBD or aerial/satellite view on the map. ERM Layer Displays one or more emergency route paths from an origin to a destination. This information is only available if the ERM component is installed within TMIS and then only for authorised users. Search Functions Description Allows pan or pan and zoom to the map location associated with a search result. Intersections Find and locate the intersection of two streets optionally filtered by suburb. Street Find and locate the street optionally filtered by suburb. Suburb Find and locate the suburb Map Reference Find and locate the area specified by the map page number and grid reference (for example pg 224 A12). SCATS Site Find and locate the traffic controlled site using the site number or street intersection or map grid reference. Data Formats ECW Used for raster image displays. ESRI Shape File Used for vector data displays. Projection Uses GDA94 input data for ESRI Shape Files Renders in UTM, LCC and TM. Maps Maximum open maps Three Maximum split maps One Background map Provides on background image ECW file. Future versions to provide multiple files selected automatically based on current map view location. SCATS Versions Operates with SCATS6 versions 6.5 and higher ITS Port Requires two ITS Port connections to SCATS6 Central Manager SCATS Alert Pan and Zoom map to location of alarm from within SCATS Alert. SCATS Access Invokes and opens monitor window for selected Site in TMIS Map.
Incident Management Description Optional TMIS Component that displays incident lists. Displays Current local incident summary, regional incident summary and full incident summary. Actions Invoke external incident management application End incident Set and confirm incident location Centre the map at the incident location Determine location and centre map at incident Incidents layer Description Displays incident icons at confirmed or unconfirmed incident locations on the map. States Shows incident states as: Accident, breakdown, road works, vehicle on clearway, incident Actions Modify incident location Terminate incident Invoke external incident management application CCTV Description Close Circuit Television layer that allows the user to select the camera icon and display the associated image on a monitor. Actions Invoke external CCTV management application Activate selected camera image on monitor console VMS Description Variable Message Signs - Optional TMIS Component to manage, display, schedule and set messages for VMS. Displays Displays list view of VMS in system. Provides a mimic display of selected VMS. Provides ability to schedule VMS message using a calendar display. Provides ability to select and play VMS messages for each sign. Provides ability to establish library of messages. VMS layer Description The VMS Layer is an Optional layer giving an overview of the locations and messages in the organisation. States Displays location of VMS showing direction of VMS relative to direction of travel of traffic. Displays mimics of VMS at user selectable locations. Displays frame sequence of VMS on selected mimic. Actions Invokes the VMS display to manage VMS message if installed. Sets location of VMS mimic according to user preference. Hide the VMS mimic. ERM Description Emergency Route Management Optional TMIS Component Manage ERM Creates route origin / destination locations Creates route from origin to destination manually or automatically. View existing routes. Search through routes to find matching route. Execute ERM Manages the execution of emergency route by using checkpoints. Advance or retard progress of green wave. Access Control Advanced role based access control to ensure information is only available to authorised users and only suitable qualified
personnel can manage the execution of an emergency route. Preferences Balloon Window Distance in meters below which balloon windows are displayed. TCS Distance in meters below which TCS windows are displayed. Alarm Display text labels and distance in meters below which text labels are displayed (M or W for major or warning alarms). Background Background display type: UBD, Sydway, Penguin or Aerial. Map transparency, brightness and contrast. CCTV Camera Display text labels and distance in meters below which text labels are displayed (CCTV Id). Congestion Congestion display type: Degree of Saturation or Congestion. Distance in meters above which congestion is displayed for site only. Distance in meters above which congestion is displayed for arms and site only. Distance in meters above which congestion is displayed for arms and site only. Below this distance, congestion is displayed with arm direction. Congestion arrow size. Current Phase Display text labels and distance in meters below which text labels are displayed (Phase letter A through G). Dwell Status Display text labels and distance in meters below which text labels are displayed (P or T for permanent or timed with SCATS user identification as initiator of the dwell). Grid Reference Distance in meters below which grid is displayed. Incident Display text labels and distance in meters below which text labels are displayed (Incident identity). Distance in meters below which detailed incident icons are displayed. Lamp Display text labels and distance in meters below which text labels are displayed (O and Y for off and flashing yellow). Linkage (Subsystem) Distance in meters below which SCATS Subsystems are displayed. Distance in meters below which Subsystem linkages are displayed. Distance in meters below which Subsystem linkages have arrows. Marker Show from location on or off; show target location on or off. SCATS Sites Display text labels and distance in meters below which text labels are displayed (SCATS Site Identity). Unusual Congestion Unusual congestion display type blinking, hatching or outline. VMS Display text labels and distance in meters below which text labels are displayed (VMS Identity). Display VMS mimics and distance below which VMS mimics are displayed. SCATS Access Location of SCATS Access and SGRAPH applications. SCATS Alert Communication settings for SCATS Alert; Customise map pan and zoom settings when selecting alerts in SCATS Alert. Zoom Set zoom type operating mode: Centre Drag or Top Left to Bottom Right. ITS Description The capability of TMIS to integrate with other ITS from a software architectural and user interface point of view. PTIPS TMIS hosts the traffic management map and the PTIPS
application and separate perspectives. Sharing of bus and route information between the applications is supported. User interface concept for both applications is the same. System Status Description Displays communication and operating status of integrated and configured systems needed to support TMIS. Incident Data Monitors reception of incident information. Incident Service Monitors incident support service. Performance Monitors client memory usage. SCATS Alert Monitors connection with SCATS Alert. SCATS Data Monitors reception of real-time updates from SCATS6. SCATS Monitors status of central manager and regions on SCATS6. Security Manager Monitors logged in status of the user. Services Monitors status of key TMIS services: Naming, Notification and SCATS Corba Server. VMS Data Monitors reception of VMS information. VMS Provider Monitors status of VMS support service. Access Control SCATS Actions The current version of TMIS utilises SCATS6 access control. Authentication and Authorisation The next version of TMIS will include full access control. This will comprise authentication for the user that needs to logon and authorisation to ensure that users have permission for individual tasks they may wish to perform according to the roles they are assigned. TMIS Integration Description TMIS achieves the ability to integrate client side applications using a shared common user-interface paradigm. This assumes a full integration approach. Part integration approaches are also possible using ActiveX and Microsoft Windows TM technologies. Technology Client - Eclipse Rich Client Platform Server Event Bus and Corba
TMIS Hardware Requirements Small Configuration Characteristic Description Typically aimed at a smaller 1 to 8 client system with hundreds of traffic controlled intersections. Clients 1 8 Computer Pentium IV 2.8GHz with 1GB RAM Servers 1 2 servers supporting SCATS Corba; Notification; All other services. Computers Pentium IV 2.8GHz with 1GB RAM TCS < 1000 OS Microsoft Windows Server 2000/2003 Middleware Borland Visibroker or compatible Access Control Using SCATS6; Role based access control (RBAC) optional (TBD). Enterprise Configuration Characteristic Description Typically aimed at large installations with up to 20 clients and thousands of traffic controlled intersections. Clients 16 20 Computers Pentium IV 2.8GHz with 1GB RAM Servers 3 4 servers supporting SCATS Corba; Notification; All other services. Computers Pentium IV 3.2GHz with 1GB RAM TCS 3000 5000 Event Rates 1800 to 2200 events per second. OS Microsoft Windows Server 2000/2003 and Microsoft SQL Server depending on optional components configured. Middleware Borland Visibroker Access Control Role based access control (RBAC). VMS Characteristic VMS Count Up to 500. Incidents Characteristic Incident Count Up to 200 per day.