Key
Message:
Time
on Slide:
Suggest
Comments:
In order to implement true real-time IDTO, the following
changes must occur. Note that these
changes represent those that typically would be needed, but all of these items may not necessarily be required in all
deployment locations or scenarios.
Establish
Information Sharing System -
Independent agency systems would need to begin freely exchanging information
among one another, in real time, following
standard data exchange methodologies, e.g. following NTCIP C2C guidelines,
TMDD, etc. The information exchange
should allow for recommendation of decision
support responses to agency systems, potentially including the direct control
of field traffic management assets.
Implementation
of a Region-wide Communications Network - To collect sufficient data and to enable the regional transportation
network, a relatively high-bandwidth
communications network is a prerequisite. The network may be provided by the
Internet, a common carrier or be agency-owned
infrastructure, but is necessary to move data and imagery between management
centers. The Internet is increasingly
becoming the network of choice for many
transportation applications.
Create
Multimodal Historical Database -
Containing road condition data, regional ITS configuration data, response plan
information etc. Most regions have legacy data repositories in existing
freeway, arterial and transit management systems. Integrating different data sets and formats
is a technical challenge that must be
overcome to effectively implement a multi-modal DSS.
Enable/Create
Common Operating Picture (COP) - To
effectively implement IDTO, the ability
of multiple agencies to see data from individual modal management systems on a common geo-referenced
visual display (large screen wall, desktop workstation, mobile device) is
desired. The COP can be tailored to the needs of the transportation
system manager to only show data layers needed for effective decision
support.
Visualization
Platform - In order to effectively
evaluate IDTO recommendations, a method of visualizing transportation
network conditions, response plans and
generated actions is preferred.
True
System Interoperability - Interoperability
will be a key element in the regional integration of Decision Support
Systems. Two key standards for both collecting data and sending control commands
are the Transportation Management Data Dictionary, Version 3.0 and J2735. These standards
will be implemented in the Dallas and San Diego Integrated Corridor Management
Systems, which are expected to be leaders in the development of newer generation DSS systems. Also to be taken into account for
interoperability will be the NTCIP device communications standards.
Improved
Logistical Support - As with any other
ITS technology, DSS implementation must be carried out using solid system
engineering principles with due attention
paid to logistical support requirements. These include proper documentation,
operator selection and training, an Operations and Maintenance Plan and ongoing configuration management, both at the
system and operational levels.
On-line
Modeling Capabilities - To enhance the
capability to analyze strategies, perform complex data calculation in
real-time and in certain cases enable
predictive capabilities. On-line
modeling tools can be an effective way to perform such functions and in turn
are desired for IDTO deployments, although not necessary strictly
required.
Predictive
Tools - The new genre of intelligent
transportation management looks toward managing by anticipation rather than
reaction, i.e., attempting to predict
adverse or negative conditions and then preventing them from occurring or at
least lessening their effects. For
these reasons, implementation of real-time
or faster than real-time predictive tools are desired for IDTO to continuously
provide anticipated network conditions up
to 60 minutes in advance.
Develop
a Workflow Engine - The IDTO requires a
workflow engine that replicates modal management workflows. The workflow engine is envisaged as the tracking and sequencing mechanism for
what happens when recommended actions are issued. It will track recommendations and feedback into the recommendation process, e.g.
freeway ramp signal timings may have been changed but a city has not responded
by making requested arterial timing changes
leading to serious queues. The engine
will be designed to follow the sequence of events and present modifications.
Create
Centralized Rules-Based DSS Engine - At
the nucleus of the IDTO is a rules-based IDTO
engine that links or uses many of the
components outlined above. This engine is envisioned to be an
interactive, software-based system that extracts useful information from a
combination of modal data sources and
knowledge bases (operational rules) and converts these into actions and/or
recommendations that influence performance
of the transportation network, based on specific rules entered into the engine
database.
Create/Train
Multimodal Operators – A training
program is needed for existing system operators or new “Multimodal Operators”
on how to manage systems across systems and
jurisdictions taking all modes into account