Field Evaluation of Smart Sensor Vehicle Detectors at Railroad Grade Crossings —Volume 3: Performance in Favorable Weather Conditions

Medina, Juan C.; Benekohal, Rahim F.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/45968 Copy

Description

Title

Field Evaluation of Smart Sensor Vehicle Detectors at Railroad Grade Crossings —Volume 3: Performance in Favorable Weather Conditions

Author(s)

• Medina, Juan C.
• Benekohal, Rahim F.

Issue Date

2013-10

Keyword(s)

Microwave radar vehicle detection, Wavetronix smart sensor, Matrix, railroad grade crossing safety, railroad backup detection system, quad gate, detection error, false call, missed call, stuck-on call, dropped call.

Abstract

The performance of a microwave radar system for vehicle detection at a railroad grade crossing in Hinsdale, Illinois, was evaluated through field-testing in favorable (normal, good) weather conditions. The system was installed at a crossing with three tracks and used two radar units aimed at the crossing from opposite quadrants. The performance was assessed in terms of false calls, missed calls, stuck-on calls, and dropped calls, using datasets collected in favorable (good) weather conditions. First, the system performance was assessed using the initial setup. In the initial setup, the most frequent error type was false calls (0.55%), mainly the result of activations caused by pedestrians and bicyclists in the crossing; followed by missed calls caused by one of the radars missing a vehicle (0.07%). These results were shared with the product developer to see whether he wanted to make any modification to the initial setup. In the modified setup, the detection zones and the aim of one of the radars were changed. Then, the system performance was evaluated. Results for the modified setup showed an increased frequency of false calls (0.96%), mostly the result of activations generated by moving gates and also by pedestrians. Missed calls in the modified setup were slightly increased to 0.09%, and they were due to one of the two radar units missing a vehicle. There were no missed calls when the system relied on the two radar units because at least one of the two always detected the vehicles occupying the crossing. The system did not generate any stuck-on or dropped calls in the selected data for both the initial and the modified setup in favorable (good) weather conditions. Additional testing is under way to evaluate the system in adverse weather conditions, including snow-covered roadways, rain, fog, and wind.

Series/Report Name or Number

ICT-13-029 UILU-ENG-2029

ISSN

0197-9191

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/45968

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Illinois Department of Transportation R27-95

Copyright and License Information

No restrictions. This document is available to the public through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161

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