"An Automatic Vehicle Classification (AVC) system to provide High Accuracy classification for Toll Road single lane applications

Transport Data Systems designs and produces automatic vehicle classification systems. These systems provide the ability to audit both manual and automatic fare collection processes and to generate detailed vehicle statistics. The AVC systems combine doppler radar and vehicle profilers to automatically classify vehicles into user defined categories (autos, trucks, buses, motorcycles, etc.).
Operators of classic toll collection systems are especially interested in smooth traffic flows at their toll stations in order to guarantee both mobility and security with toll payments. As a result, solutions which provide rapid vehicle classification and toll calculation are required. The highest level of reliability without manual classification outlay are demanded.

The TDS AVC system generates a profile of every vehicle, counts axles and determines additional relevant information, such as the vehicle height and whether a trailer is present. In terms of the calculation basis for the toll, the vehicle class can be accurately determined before the toll transaction is complete. Large heavy goods vehicles can be classified after a road length of just 11 meters.

Detailed 3D classification also guarantees 100% exact seperation of vehicles, even those traveling in tight formation. Correct classification is also achieved in special cases, for vehicles with trailers or roof loads or for heavy goods vehicles with trailers for example.

The TDS AVC system can be installed at existing toll stations and integrated into their lane controllers. The system is tailored specifically to upgrading of existing tolling installations.

TDS has two distinct single lane AVC solutions. Both systems use Doppler radar for velocity sensing and a profiling sensor to develop a profile of the vehicle. One of the systems uses a side profile generated by a multibeam transmissive light curtain while the other uses an overhead profile generated by an reflective overhead scanning laser. Both systems rely on a treadle for axle information. While it is possible to use the light curtain to detect axles, TDS does not recommend this solution because of issues with all weather operations.




At a minimum, both systems provide the following classification information to the user:

The functional capabilities of the various models are shown in the following table. All systems include the Doppler radar. All models except the Model 230 include a fiber treadle for axle detection.

Model Number Separator Length Width Profile Height Profile Axle Detection Dual Tire Detect
110 10 Foot Light Curtain Yes No Yes Yes No
120 10 Foot Light Curtain Yes No Yes Yes Yes
130 5 Foot Light Curtain Yes No No Yes No
140 5 Foot Light Curtain Yes No No Yes Yes
210 Laser Overhead Scanner Yes Yes Yes Yes No
220 Laser Overhead Scanner Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
230 Laser Overhead Scanner Yes Yes Yes No No


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