News Article

Department of Transportation awards IAI a follow-on contract to develop a Novel Detection and Warning System to Mitigate Dilemma Zone Issues
Date: May 01, 2014
Author: press release
Source: Company Data ( click here to go to the source)

Featured firm in this article: Intelligent Automation Inc of Rockville, MD



The dilemma zone (DZ) problem is a major safety issue at high-speed signalized intersections. During a Green-Yellow signal transition period, drivers near the intersection usually have difficulty in making a decision of stopping or continuing to drive. To mitigate the DZ problem, IAI and its collaborators from the University of Maryland and Century Engineering, have developed an innovative Detection, Control and Warning System (DCWS). DCWS provides vehicle-specific dilemma zone protection based on travel time to the intersection as opposed to more conventional systems that protect a fixed area on the pavement. It employs sensors to track individual vehicles in real time and to interface with signal controllers to implement advanced signal protocols. DCWS also alerts drivers who are going to be stuck in the DZ via an advanced warning system. In the current project, an enhanced version of DCWS using traditional roadside warnings called Infrastructure warning system (IWS) will be deployed and evaluated. In collaboration with the Maryland State Highway Administration (MD SHA), a candidate intersection for field deployment will be selected based on accident rate, red-light running rate and other factors. The field deployment will allow for evaluation of the system design and verification of expected benefits. The results of this study will provide guidance on system design, implementation, and effectiveness of DCWS in mitigating the dilemma zone problem. The validated, fully functional, weather proof, self-sufficient, and easy-to-install-and-maintain DZ protection system will help state and local highway administrations improve the safety of high-speed signalized intersections.

About IAI:
Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI) is a technology innovation company headquartered in Rockville, MD. We specialize in providing advanced technology solutions and R&D services to federal agencies, and corporations throughout the United States and internationally. Leveraging agile R&D processes, a multi-disciplinary collaborative environment, and its substantial intellectual property portfolio, IAI excels in developing concepts into market-focused products and customer-driven solutions. IAI's core R&D areas include: Air Traffic Management, Big Data and Social Media Analytics, Control and Signal Processing, Cyber Security, Education and Training Technologies, Health Technologies, Modeling and Simulation, Networks and Communications, Robotics, and Sensor Systems. For more information on IAI, please visit www.i-a-i.com.