TESTING AND FIELD IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MINNESOTA VIDEO DETECTION SYSTEM (AUTOSCOPE)

Vehicle detection by video cameras is one of the most promising new technologies for wireless large-scale data collection and implementation of advanced traffic control and management schemes such as vehicle guidance and navigation. The breadboard fabrication of a wide-area multispot video imaging detection system (AUTOSCOPE) has been described previously. Recent developments concerning this detection system are described. Earlier work leading to its present state and the advantages of the AUTOSCOPE over other emerging devices are summarized. The new elements include preproduction prototype development, field testing, and plans for extensive field validation and verification. The latter include two large demonstration projects recently initiated in Minneapolis. In the first project, the AUTOSCOPE is used for incident detection over a section of Interstate 394; the second project involves implementation of the AUTOSCOPE at a signalized intersection.