Author: Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Electronic traffic controls
Languages : en
Pages : 21
Book Description
The purpose of this project was to develop an automated tool that facilitates testing of traffic controller functionality using controller interface device (CID) technology. Benefits of such automated testers to traffic engineers include reduced testing time, enhanced repeatability and consistency of testing, reduced testing costs, and improved testing quality and productivity. The automated tester can be operated in a static mode using the graphical user interface. The timing of input changes is strictly controlled by the person operating the testing system. It uses XML script files to specify which inputs are activated, the timing of those activations and verifying the controller response(s). The software provided is for a limited set of NEMA TS1 controllers running a specific firmware version as specified by the Idaho Transportation Department. Other traffic controllers can be tested provided that the testing program has been modified to communicate with that specific controller. Software modifications to the testing software are required because there is no standard communications protocol used by various traffic controller manufacturers that allow the traffic controller settings to be read from the controller. A version of the automated tester has been developed and tested that interfaces with NEMA TS2 type 1 and type 2 controllers. This version uses the National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) via either the asynchronous RS232 serial port or the Ethernet port. However, our investigation has shown that various vendors have significant differences in the interpretation of the NTCIP standard, and the automated testing software must still be verified with specific traffic devices running specific firmware versions. The automated tester also includes a CID-based suitcase tester emulator that can replace or supplement manual testing.