TrafiCam is essentially a concept that combines a CMOS sensor and video detection technology in one. It is primarily used for stop bar and advance detection at signalized intersections. This small sensor succeeds to detect vehicles at traffic lights better, more discretely and more economically than other presence detectors as radar, infrared or loops.

Traficon was the first company to launch such a product in 2003, and although the original TrafiCam has evolved somewhat over the years, the ethos surrounding it remains as it was when it first came to market: to combine the benefits of video detection with the benefits of sensor technology in one easy-to-use, compact box.

GREEN FOR GO

The goal of deploying such technology is to better manage traffic at intersections: to turn traffic light controllers into active management devices. The controller program can be optimized so that it reacts to various scenarios as needed. For instance, one well-known strategy is ‘green on demand’; meaning that if a vehicle is detected as waiting, the light will be immediately switched to green. Lengthening the green time is another valuable application: this delays the amber light to allow any detected vehicles through. Combinations of ‘green on demand’ and lengthening the green time can also be used.

Vehicle actuated signals go a long way to reducing waiting time, which has a number of positive effects. For a start, the traffic flow gains are obvious: reducing waiting time for drivers increases throughput on the network. An additional advantage that smoother flowing traffic brings is to the environment (and also to the driver’s pocket). Sitting at traffic lights idling is a huge cause of unnecessary – and avoidable – vehicle emissions.

HIGH-TECH MADE EASY

Although video detection is a sophisticated and intelligent technology, TrafiCam couldn’t be easier to use. Installation is simple and fast then it is simply a matter of connecting the device and starting work. Configuration takes less than five minutes and can be performed by any user – no specialist knowledge is required.

CONTINOUSLY EVOLVING

Traficon did not stop driving forward development with this sensor. Responding to the global trend of environmental awareness, in April 2008, the first solar-powered stand-alone working video detection sensor was added to the TrafiCam product range.

To gain an even greater presence in the market, Traficon will continue to expand the TrafiCam range to focus on a variety of new applications such as data collection, wrong-way detection and others.
 

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