Intelligent Transportation Systems

Sentinel on watch

Average Speed Enforcement SystemSentinel Multiforce

Sentinel Multiforce

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Speed cameras have been the most important way to enforce speed violations since their introduction in 1958. The biggest disadvantage of speed cameras is that they only check the momentary speed at a certain location. Road users tend to hit the break when approaching speed cameras and accelerate immediately after, especially when they are aware of the exact location of speed cameras. DXC has tackled this problem together with the Dutch Ministry of Transportation in developing an Average Speed Enforcement System in 1996. The very first of its kind. Ever since, DXC has been a major supplier of certified average speed enforcement systems both in the Netherlands and abroad. Average Speed Enforcement systems measure the average speed over a longer distance, leaving road users no other option than to adhere to the allowed speed limit in the entire section. DXC’s Average Speed Enforcement system is fully digital and automated, has a low cost of maintenance and a high return on investment. In addition, DXC offers a run and maintain solution that leaves the client only a minimal workload: the processing of the tickets.

Function of an ASES

Basically an Average Speed Enforcement System (ASES) consists of an entry, an exit

and a central processing system. At the entry and exit of the system sensors register

vehicle passages (1 and 2 in the picture). These passages are tagged with a unique

identification as well as the exact date and time in milliseconds. Notification of these

registrations is then sent to a central location. In a typical ASES exit passages are

matched against entry passages, and a successful match delivers the runtime of the

vehicle, based on the timestamps (3). Given the exact length of the designated

section the average speed is calculated and compared against the configured

maximum speed. If this threshold is exceeded, a violation is set aside (4). If not, the

data and images are discarded.

Figure 1. Average Speed Enforcement scheme.

Sentinel Multiforce

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Sentinel Multiforce

If you are looking to reduce costs, we’ll make it easy for you with the Sentinel

Multiforce, saving you time and money.

Using more basic components Sentinel Multiforce allows users to setup ‘entry level’

Enforcement Systems on locations where normally the infrastructure does not allow

it. The components are carefully chosen and do not compromise on quality.

The advantages of Sentinel Multiforce over a regular ASES are -amongst others- no

(invasive) trigger components, no complicated mounting constructions and no

expensive fiber connections. Sentinel Multiforce classifies vehicles in basic classes

but it allows the user to grow to a full scale solution. As well as for speed checks, the

system also include provision for the enforcement of no truck overtaking,

unauthorised use of reserved lanes, driving on the shoulder or break down lane and

the detection of signaled or wanted vehicles (black and white listing).

Sentinel Multiforce is based on DXC’s existing certified Enforcement System,

optimized for wireless communication using distributed intelligence and less storage

and, aimed at the urban environment. Sentinel Multiforce is not a small solution, it

will handle a total of up to 32 lanes simultaneously -conditions apply- and can grow

even larger.

Networked Solution

The Sentinel suite is suitable for networked operation, linking all enforcement

solutions to measure travel time, section control, traffic composition and traffic

classification. This makes the Sentinel solution ideal for digital transforming the

road network into a dynamic transportation network where traffic policies can be

deployed and enforced. This allows for dynamic maximum speeds, dynamic road

configuration to match road capacity, environment and safety needs with expected

traffic.

Roadside Sensor

At the roadside, vehicle passages are registered by a sensor, mounted on existing

infrastructure such as a gantry, bridge or overpass, a readily available light pole or

on a standard (swing) pole. Mounting height and place is flexible, besides or above

the road, angled or straight, but of course the camera must be adjusted at the

required view area to improve the ALPR rate.

Figure 2. Cameras on an overpass.

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The sensor is based on a camera that is configured and enhanced as a stand-alone

unit, capable of registering and processing more than 98% of the passing vehicles.

This is achieved using advanced in-image vehicle recognition. The camera therefore

has no external (invasive) trigger device such as radar or road loops. The sensor is

capable of recording two lanes simultaneously, leaving or approaching.

The camera measures its exposure real-time and doesn’t need a light sensor.

Sufficient lighting is done using an Infrared Ring flash that is optimized for correct

exposure of the license plate. If necessary the camera can drive an external LED

flash unit as shown in the image below. This will illuminate the vehicle itself and the

environment. All illumination is Infrared (850nm) and completely invisible to the

human eye.

The sensor is equipped with a Video Controller & Image Storage, built for extreme

environments. This Controller will examine all images and determine if the image is

stable, usable and suitable for recognition. This guarantees each registration of

passing vehicles is correct, just and on time. Both camera and Controller are

synchronized using NTP within 50ms of real time.

Figure 3. Camera on the spot.

The Controller will generate an unique ID and try to read the license plate from the

image. The information is optionally hashed using a one way cipher (made

anonymous) and then location, date/time and vehicle information is sent to the

Central Controller through the Roadside Station. The image itself is stored for future

reference for a configured (short) period.

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Roadside Station

The Roadside Sensor has 2 connections: power and Cat6 Ethernet. These cables are

fed into the Roadside Station where the power is converted from mains (100-230V~)

to 24VDC.

The roadside station is mounted near (within 100 meters of) the sensors it connects

to. The Station can connect to and control up to 4 sensors, thus enabling registering

vehicles on up to 8 lanes of traffic.

The roadside Station transfers the data from the sensors to the (central) Controller

where all intelligence is based. Communication is done over the 3G or 4G band. If

the connection fails the data is buffered until the connection is up again. The used

router also functions as NTP server for the attached sensors and controllers.

Figure 4. Roadside stations ready for deployment.

Central Controller

The Central Controller is the component in Sentinel Multiforce that enables the

Software Components as a standalone application. The user could also supply

computer hardware to run the software. Having a dedicated component enables

deployment on temporary locations, at road works, check other systems, etc.

The Central Controller is built from robust components and designed to be portable.

If used at the roadside the Controller can be connected directly via Ethernet to (one

of) the Roadside Stations. Otherwise the Controller communicates via the same

wireless solutions as the Roadside Stations use.

All communication has to be setup and configured using the Sentinel Configuration

Module. This can be done by connecting a laptop to the Controller or otherwise

having a (VPN) connection to the Controller.

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Sentinel Dome Software

At the roadside, vehicles pass by and roadside sensors will record images of these

passages. The passages and images will result in vehicle passage messages from

the roadside sensors via one or more roadside stations to a central controller. This

controller functions as a central hub for processing all information and producing

the desired results.

The Sentinel Dome software runs on a standard server, a powerful laptop or a

standalone DXC delivered unit. The software consists of a central database for

storage of –among others- the registrations, configuration and references to

images. The base modules Configuration, Communication, Registration and

Matching collect and process roadside data. This raw data is transformed into

simple registrations or complex matched section passages. Next, several modules

are added that use the results of the previous activities, such as possible violations

of various nature.

Figure 5. User interface.

Sentinel Modules Configuration

The configuration module is a web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) and

basically monitors, controls and modifies the configuration data stored in the

database. The database itself is a fast structure, since the very volatile data does

not qualify for storage over an extended period. The module has different

functionalities, depending on purpose, such as Technical and Processing. A

technical side is the configuration of the sensors, their location and purpose,

recording parameters, and so on. Processing parameters include how a registration

is handled, what defines a section, maximum speed and thresholds of a section,

what to do with a violation and so on.

Other functionality includes adding and modifying user and user group data and

what each is authorized to do.

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Communication

The communication module maintains a secure connection to the attached sensors

and initializes these as configured. The module will also handle requests for images

and instructions for the removal of obsolete registrations.

All communication is verified on correctness and completeness, assuring data

integrity. At intervals the module will query all attached equipment for a status

response. Not responding equipment will result in an alarm via the Run & Maintain

module.

Figure 6. Cameras and flash units.

Registration

The registration module receives the vehicle registrations and stores them in the

database. A vehicle registration is a small message containing a location, an Id,

date/time and the vehicle identification, possibly the license plate. This information

is a unique identifier to reference the data within the system.

The configuration determines what happens next with the registrations. If the

roadside sensor is an entry location the message is stored for reference in an entry

list. If the message comes from an exit location for a section, the message is

forwarded to the Matcher process. It is also possible that a registration is directly

forwarded to the Validation module if the vehicle registration is e.g. on a prohibited

lane or a restricted zone. A connection with the matrix signs can make the system

Dynamic in speed enforcement. The system follows the maximum speed on the

matrix signs.

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Matching

Based on the vehicle identification the matcher process will search for matching

entry passages when it receives an exit message. This is more complex than it

sounds; several parameters have to be taken into account. Sometimes an exit

location is also an entry for another, some locations can be both in a bi-directional

environment, etc.

The matching method also works for anonymous vehicle information since the same

license plate will always generate the same hash. It’s not possible to decipher the

hash into a plate, so the data remains anonymous.

When a vehicle is successfully matched from entry to exit, a matched vehicle

registration is produced and stored. The module Validation receives notification of

the event.

Validation

This module receives registration data from Registration or Matching and verifies

the data is complete and correct. If the configuration dictates a prohibited lane or

other single lane violation, the data is forwarded to the Prepare module.

When received from the Matching process the average speed is determined by

calculating the time difference between exit and entry (section runtime). During

installation of the system, a certification institute has measured the section distance

(length). Using this distance and the section runtime the average speed is

calculated. The result is checked against location thresholds, such as the maximum

average section speed for the exact (exit) time. The data is then forwarded to the

Prepare module.

All time- and speed calculation is done in a separate shared object module that is

completely sealed and protected. This module is part of the certification of the

Sentinel Multiforce system. Each possible violation will include the checksum of the

software and its configuration.

When registrations are processed and there is no need for keeping the data, the

Roadside sensors where the data was recorded are instructed to discard the

passage data and images.

Agility to deliver tailored solutions.

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Prepare

Possible violations are prepared for distribution to the client, usually a police or

other government instance. First step in the preparation of the violation data is

collecting the original images as evidence. This is done by requesting the images

from the communications module that will in turn request the image from the

correct Roadside Sensor that has stored the image.

When the images have been received they are checked for integrity. Then the

contents are verified by reading the vehicle identification again using a different

ALPR engine. If successful the images are enhanced with violation and event

information, partly stored as visible information in a so-called data bar, other data

as hidden EXIF data. Next, a single file is created consisting of the violation data, all

original registration data and the images. This file is then sealed and stored for

collection by the designated organization.

For the Netherlands these files are processed into a special structure and enclosed

with calibration data as specified in the relevant Interface Requirement Specs.

Report

The reporting module produces daily statistics and reports for use by the user, the

police organization and (DXC’s) Run & Maintain Support department.

Simple registration counts are reported as well as complex data, e.g.

min/mean/max speeds, number of matches and violations, system logs and so on.

While this is a daily process, also weekly, monthly and quarterly statistics are

produced. The data is available as comma separated value files, ready to be

imported into a spreadsheet or other reporting tool.

Run & Maintain

Using data from the other modules, the Run & Maintain module will report to the Run

& Maintain branch department information on performance. Configuration of the

module includes alert SMS numbers to inform failure of certain components, such as

roadside sensors, storage parameters, etc.

Figure 7. Sensors tested and configurated.

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Managed services DXC can take care of the managed services for you. Changes and upgrades to the Sentinel Multiforce system can be planned and executed within SLA’s.

DXC can call upon their own Subject Matter Experts (SME) and several software suppliers for the license plate training and setting up volume rich truth tables which are used in iteration to achieve the required performance.

DXC executes the managed services of all Traffic Law Enforcement systems according to the ITIL V3 processes and can count on an international 24/7 service desk for receiving calls, 24/7 monitoring and 2nd and 3rd line support. Field services are executed by a combination of own SMEs and field support workers from partner organizations. The Service Manager reports incident management reports, daily reports and service level reports to the customer.

In the case that the DXC Average Speed Enforcement solution does not completely

meet your requirements, or if you are looking to reduce costs, we’ll make it easier to

adapt the system accordingly, saving you time and money.

Figure 8. Average Speed Enforcement on A4, the Netherlands.

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Why DXC ITS?

DXC ITS has vast experience, technologies and a compelling partner network to

translate clients’ traffic management goals into practical solutions and systems.

As an independent and full-service provider, we stay in touch with industry

challenges and provide expert, innovative solutions tailored to each project.

Through a vendor-agnostic approach, we work to find the best solution to your total

highway needs by integrating best-of-breed products and delivering solutions with

a high success rate.

We take full responsibility for the solutions we deliver, from concept, design and

infrastructure development to the creation of back-office systems, data processing,

maintenance and support. When appropriate, we leverage our extensive partner

network to bring in external expertise and help deliver high-quality results.

Conducting each project is a specialized DXC team composed of project and

delivery managers, architects, software and hardware developers, and system and

database administrators. As principal contractor, DXC is the single point of contact

for all parties and partners involved. Our ITS specialists are responsible for the

software development and the maintenance of the solution, and we enable close

cooperation with both the client and specialized partners in our engagements.

In addition, DXC’s global data science and analytics teams help customers across

the globe interpret vast datasets, delivering unique data-driven insights.

Our technology independence gives us the agility to create the right solution,

tailored to your unique challenge, every time.

It also frees us to innovate at the speed of technology, offering you the most

cutting-edge solutions. Our talent works alongside yours, understanding your

business at a fundamental level to ensure that change transforms your organization

for the future without breaking what works.

Figure 9. ITS specialists at your service.

Sentinel Multiforce

More reasons to choose for DXC Technology Intelligent Transportation Systems

Experience

More than 50 years of

experience in Outsourcing,

Business Solutions &

Technology.

Legacy

ITS operates since 1996.

Multiple

Realized and managed more

than one hundred Sentinel Spot

Force systems in the

Netherlands.

Employees

More than 170,000

employees worldwide.

Premiere

Placed the first section

control system in the

Netherlands and Belgium.

Large

Supplier of the most

section control systems in

the Netherlands.

Countries

Represented in more

than 60 countries.

International

Placed and manages

several Weigh in Motion

systems in Belgium.

Clients

Serving some 6,000

clients worldwide.

DXC Technology (DXC: NYSE) is the world’s leading independent, end-to-end IT services company, helping clients harness the power of innovation to thrive on change. Created by the merger of DXC and the Enterprise Services business of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, DXC Technology serves nearly 6,000 private and public sector clients across 70 countries. The company’s technology independence, global talent and extensive partner network combine to deliver powerful next-generation IT services and solutions. DXC Technology is recognized among the best corporate citizens globally. For more information, visit dxc.technology. © Copyright 2018 DXC Technology Company. All rights reserved. March 2018

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Intelligent Transportation Systems

Laan van Zuid Hoorn 70

2289 DE, Rijswijk, The Netherlands

T +31.30.657.4406

M +31.6.228.03389

www.dxc.technology/its

Learn more at www.dxc.technology/its

Company overview

DXC Technology helps clients harness the power of innovation to thrive on change.

For more than 60 years, we have successfully guided the world’s largest enterprises

and government agencies through successful change cycles.

We take pride in our technology independence and our role as a trusted advisor.

Our deep experience gives us a clear and confident vision to help clients navigate

the future.

As the world’s leading independent, end-to- end IT services company, we are

uniquely positioned to lead digital transformations — creating greater value for

clients, partners and shareholders, and presenting growth opportunities for our

people. We are among the world’s best corporate citizens.

We have 170,000 employees in more than 70 countries, serving some 6,000 clients.

We tap into global talent, powerful next-generation IT solutions and extensive

partner relationships to help clients transform digitally and seize opportunities.

Our extensive partner network helps us drive collaboration and leverage technology

independence. We have established more than 250 industry-leading global Partner

Network relationships, including 14 strategic partners: Amazon Web Services, AT&T,

Dell EMC, HCL, Hitachi, HPE, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Micro Focus, Microsoft, Oracle, PwC,

SAP and ServiceNow.

For more information about DXC’s Intelligent Transportation Systems solutions,

contact Edwin Roestenburg by telephone: +31.30.657.4406 or email

eroesten@dxc.com.

Figure 10. Our role as a trusted advisor.