RoadMate Embedded Controller

For a project in Malaysia, the RoadMate is detecting axles and dual wheels and reporting vehicle classification data to the controlling computer via a serial RS232 communication link. The advantage is that the RoadMate sends a single message for each vehicle, thus off-loading the control computer of the tasks associated with processing multiple signals to arrive at the classification. The message sent to the control computer includes the number of axles, number of dual wheels, and vehicle class, and an overheight status byte. Vehicle separation is performed by the use of light curtains.

The Tolltex RoadMate is a general purpose embedded controller that is designed to perform low-level control and monitoring of signals used in toll collection systems or traffic management systems. A typical use in the toll collection industry is Automatic Vehicle Classification (AVC) performed independently of the toll system's lane controller. For ITS traffic management, the RoadMate can be used to monitor signals to count vehicles or axles or to monitor and report vehicle direction to a central station.

The RoadMate features 8 digital I/O ports each with plug-in OPTO-type relays, an Intel processor, 1MB RAM, 4MB flash storage, 2 serial ports, on-board battery, 24 VDC power supply, quick connect terminals, and a NEMA 4 or NEMA 12 enclosure. Software is updated by using one of the two serial ports, the operating system is real-time QNX, and all programs are written in "C". The RoadMate is designed to be customized to meet specific application needs.