WTI

The field of systems engineering, development, and integration depends on teams of researchers finding new, innovative answers to questions facing transportation systems and the people affected by them. The Systems Engineering Development and Integration Laboratory and its team focus on engineering, developing and integrating into transportation systems various tools such as intelligent transportation systems, information technology and communications systems.

The systems lab team takes on challenges including developing and testing hardware and software. For instance, the team helped the California Department of Transportation (http://www.dot.ca.gov/) develop and test a mobile data system that allows first responders to an accident or incident scene to collect and transmit data (http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/research/4W1092.aspx). The system enables first responders to input information on incidents, such as Hazmat and rock slides, that affect travelers and disrupt roadways. The availability of such tools is particularly important to first responders in remote rural areas because their communications options are often limited.

Our lab staff specializes in creating tools and solutions to resolve problems in the transportation field, particularly on rural roads, thus making traveling easier and safer.

Capabilities:

The systems lab facilitates the application of the systems engineering field’s best practices to the engineering, development and integration of intelligent transportation systems, information technology and communications systems for rural areas. The lab serves as a testbed for numerous technologies and provides space and technology for a range of exercises including assembling and testing prototypes and includes fabrication capability.

Within the lab there is space for:

• Building, assembling and testing of prototype systems
• Systems-related demonstrations
• Educational training for small groups

The lab includes:

• Wireless and networking equipment for the test and demonstration of wired and wireless communication technologies
• Tools for prototyping and fabricating mechanical and electronic hardware including printed circuit boards and sheet metal equipment enclosures and brackets
• "Virtualization" and development software to rapidly configure, develop and test software applications using multiple operating systems
• GIS and mathematical analysis software for modeling, analyzing and visualizing
• Multimedia gear such as digital cameras, camcorders and a projection system for the development of demonstrations and training tools

This laboratory has been used on projects to:

• Integrate satellite and cellular communication equipment with mobile computing devices
• Aggregate and disseminate sensor readings into a database to indicate weather changes
• Test systems and algorithms for triggering warnings to drivers in work zones via variable message signs
• Visualize and compare the coverage of communication systems in rugged terrain
• Process input from hand-held field devices regarding animal-vehicle collisions, rock slides, and other incidents that impact travelers and roadways
• Build rugged enclosures and mounting brackets for wireless and networking equipment and antennas
• Design, prototype and produce printed circuit boards for integration into wireless mesh equipment

Project Examples:

WeatherShare (http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/research/425069.aspx) (http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/research/4W1092.aspx)

Development of Prototype Integrated PDA/GPS System to Collect Roadkill Data (http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/research/425536.aspx)

Redding Responder (http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/research/4W1092.aspx)

Improve Communications Between TMC & TMS Elements in a Rural Environment through a System that is Deployable Statewide (http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/research/4W1034.aspx)

Automated Safety Warning System Controller (http://www.westerntransportationinstitute.org/research/4W1129.aspx)

Partners:

California Department of Transportation (http://www.dot.ca.gov/)

Department of Homeland Security (http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtm)

Contact:

Doug Galarus (406) 994-5268