摘要: |
Desktop videoconferencing is expected to be a standard feature on personal computers well before the year 2000. Both the current and projected costs make the technology an attractive implement for video traffic surveillance. The proliferation of ISDN lines in the United States has increased interest in once again leasing telephone lines for traffic management application, particularly for video in areas that do not have higher bandwidth facilities available as part of the transportation communications infrastructure. There are currently several desktop videoconferencing systems available. One of these was chosen for use in Dallas, Texas for a demonstration of capabilities. This paper discusses the installation of a freeway traffic surveillance system on North Central Expressway, the issues involved, and how the system has performed well above expectations. Sufficient interest was generated in the quality of surveillance to encourage remote users to want similar images transmitted to their office. Requirements for bridging equipment ensued, so that compressed images could be forwarded to other locations. Many detailed communication issues arose, and the system pushed the limit for utilizing off the shelf equipment. Implementation costs are given, and an approach is shown for integrating the equipment with live video in the traffic management center. The capability for accessing compressed images led to the desire for remote access to all images available in the traffic management center. In turn, this suggests some incentive for distributed traffic management centers, which is addressed. The logical placement of images and other traffic data on the Internet is discussed. |