This is what the ground sensors of our parking systems are capable of
Among other things, the TAPS system is equipped with electromagnetic sensors that are used for vehicle detection. The sensors detect whether there is a vehicle on the road or not. With our technology, we achieve a detection rate of 98 percent and thus virtually error-free detection. To achieve this, we rely on various advanced and proprietary algorithms.
The sensors are designed for dynamic traffic guidance and for the intelligent parking system. After detecting the object, the sensor transmits the data to the TAPS gateway. For this purpose, it uses a radio protocol. Afterwards, the data is forwarded via various interfaces to, for example, a server, cloud or any other infrastructure of the customer.
A key feature of our TAPS sensor is its innovative energy concept. We want to offer our customers a system that functions completely independently of an external power source. To this end, we have developed an energy-autonomous unit. This contributes to an uncomplicated application. The system is ready to start immediately without any further power supply.
Recharging is possible even during operation and effectively prevents supply gaps. This means that our TAPS sensor is ready for use around the clock. In addition, the system is designed to be low-maintenance. The operator does not have to provide staff resources for maintenance or commission us to do so. We have also made sure that the user has as little effort as possible with the installation. This takes around 30 minutes.
Once the system is active, the thorough protection against environmental influences proves to be another advantage. The sensors cope well with dust, dirt, rain or ice, as well as many other influences. There is no wear and tear to worry about. It should also be mentioned that this is a product for long-term use. The user can assume a service life of at least ten years.
This is how communication works
An important element in the construction of such a system is data transmission. With TAPS, this takes place in real time. For this purpose, we rely on a proprietary radio protocol and use the 868 MHz operating frequency band in the EU, for example. The communication range to the sensor is 150 meters, a repeater is not required.
Even the update works "over the air" (OTA) with our component. It is not necessary for a technician to dismantle and open the sensor. All measures, such as the installation of new software, are carried out remotely. This makes it a state-of-the-art system in every respect.
Zurich project: TAPS ground sensors for traffic metering
Of all the projects that we have already had the pleasure of implementing, we would like to present one as an example below. We have supported the city of Zurich on its way to Smart City
accompanied. She also wanted to be at the forefront of traffic counting. So it commissioned us at LTS AG to implement our traffic counting concept with TAPS sensors.
The test environment was the Museumsstrasse right next to the Zurich train station. Here, two lanes of traffic meet two streetcar lines and a bike path. This heavily frequented street is almost predestined to benefit from our technology. For the particularly demanding environment, our energy-autonomous and low-maintenance ground sensors including gateway as data receiver were the optimal solution.
In mid-2019, we installed six of our sensors. We placed three of them in the center of the lane, one meter away from the stop bar. They function as presence detectors, i.e. they send information as soon as they detect an approaching vehicle. Another sensor was placed in the free flow, about ten meters from the control cabinet in the direction of Sihlquai. Finally, we positioned two of them at a distance of 150 meters from the control cabinet, also in the free flow. They serve as traffic jam detectors and provide information about traffic congestion or even gridlock. For the installation, the road was closed at night for 30 minutes per sensor and traffic was diverted.
Using spot drilling, our team installed the TAPS sensors level with the road. In total, they cover a distance of 250 meters. All the information they collect is sent to the gateway in its own protocol. This in turn forwards it via various interfaces, such as LTE.
Die Stadt überwacht die Daten auf einer benutzerfreundlichen Oberfläche und analysiert sie. Anhand der so gesammelten Erkenntnisse kann sie die Gegebenheiten besser an die Bedürfnisse der Verkehrsteilnehmerinnen und Verkehrsteilnehmer anpassen.
Traffic control with TAPS
TAPS is our system solution for Smart Traffic. In practice, this results in numerous fields of application. Typical, for example, is the use at intersections. Our product is ideal for monitoring and directing flowing traffic at intersections.
From now on, the operator can dispense with the use of the costly and installation-intensive induction loops. Instead, one installs one or two sensors and a gateway per lane. The effort is low, only a few components are required for dynamic traffic control.
For most users, this results in cost savings of up to 50 percent. Historical analysis and trend calculation prove to be outstanding advantages. Our sensor can do more than just record the actual condition on the road.
The system collects data over time and allows its analysis and evaluation. Our technology can be expanded as required and offers a cost-effective entry into the Internet of Things (IoT). Anyone interested in predictive traffic control (for example, with detours and emergency lanes) will opt for our system. Further advantages:
Adaptive traffic management
Predictions and planning for maintenance work
Traffic counts
Temporary use for construction site light signal
Parking Management with TAPS
Parking management is a real challenge today, especially in metropolitan areas. Traffic volumes are increasing and with them the effort required to manage parking facilities. Parking systems such as Smart Parking from LTS AG are in demand here. We provide the perfect answer with our product.
Anyone who uses our TAPS sensors and the other technology in our system has taken the first step toward consistent parking management. Because the parking lot of the future is an integrated part of the mobility chain and therefore requires smart parking systems. The fact of excess demand is proving to be particularly challenging. It is the reality in larger cities that the number of parked vehicles exceeds the number of available parking spaces.
Parking systems such as TAPS help to minimize search traffic. This reduces noise and environmental pollution to a tolerable level for road users and residents. TAPS has all the technical features needed to successfully manage the parking supply. The result is significantly reduced search times and more satisfied visitors to city centers.
This is how the use of TAPS looks in practical parking management
The operator installs our sensors on each parking space. TAPS records whether the parking space is currently occupied or still free. The data is transmitted wirelessly, so further processing of the data is possible in real time. Thanks to the sensors, the system knows at all times which parking spaces are available. This is the prerequisite for optimal control of search traffic.
The forwarding to the processing software is done via the TAPS Gateway. Our software is ideal for the following areas of application:
Wherever our customers use TAPS: Drivers find the next free parking space faster. Installation is also worthwhile in places where parking is prohibited. Illegal parking is detected immediately by the sensors. That's ideal for parking spaces designated only for police, firefighters and ambulances.
How exactly do the individual areas of application benefit from intelligent parking systems?
Let's start with the public parking spaces. Here, our TAPS sensors determine which parking spaces are free or occupied and forward the data directly via the gateway. The receiver is the processing software.
Thanks to the results made available in this way, the operator can precisely evaluate parking behavior and take appropriate measures. In this way, display boards can also be regularly updated to provide information about where and how many parking spaces are currently free.
In this way, TAPS guides road users as directly as possible to the next available parking space. The same applies to parking garages or parking decks. In parking garages, the individual spaces are often additionally equipped with small LED lights attached to the ceiling. If the parking space is free, the corresponding light shines green; if it is occupied, it glows red. In this way, searchers can see from a distance whether it is even worth continuing in that direction. This saves them a lot of time. Unfortunately, parking decks cannot be equipped with such lights because there is no ceiling.
Nevertheless, our TAPS sensors naturally also provide information about free spaces here. The only thing that changes is the way in which searchers are informed, if this is at all desired by the parking deck operator. Here, too, display boards at the entrance are an option.
If residents have rented a parking space, they also benefit from our sensors. In the event of unauthorized use, either the owner of the parking space (i.e. the resident) or a towing company is informed immediately. This also works for shared parking spaces.
How do parking systems address prohibited parking or parking for too long?
A vehicle has stopped or parked in a prohibited location? Then the TAPS sensors immediately send a notification. So the operator knows immediately and can take appropriate action. This is also the case with time-limited parking. If the interval has been exceeded, the operator is also informed directly. This also applies if vehicle owners have not paid the parking fee.
In this way, our sensors effectively contribute to the seamless implementation of applicable parking regulations. But what happens if, for example, an ambulance or the fire department occupies the space? For such cases, we at LTS AG can deploy permits.
Total solution for Smart Traffic and Smart Parking for different stakeholders
Our clientele could hardly be more comprehensive. We have already shown it with the example of Zurich: Entire cities and communities rely on our intelligent parking systems. Especially in busy city centers, the search for a parking space is a tiresome undertaking that never seems to end. Thanks to our technology, it's a direct route to the next free space.
On the one hand, this saves time and nerves of road users, and on the other hand, it protects the environment from unnecessary CO2 emissions. In addition, the dense traffic dissipates somewhat. The number of people who have actually already arrived at their destination and are just looking for a parking space is significantly reduced. This also slightly reduces the general volume of traffic.
Companies and public institutions are also among the stakeholders. Employees, customers and guests are guided to the next available parking space with the help of real-time data. In addition, our sensors can accurately track whether or not reserved, visitor, or handicapped parking spaces are being used according to specifications.
The same applies to airports, hotels and service areas. But let's get back to the topic of parking space management. The managers themselves can reduce their maintenance costs by up to 50 percent with our TAPS sensors. In addition, they make associated parking apps work more accurately. These often only show which parking spaces are currently booked or reserved. They do not show the actual status - but in combination with TAPS sensors, they do. They provide real-time data that parking managers can integrate into their apps.
Our sensors also solve a well-known problem with charging stations. Often, these are displayed as available, even if a car is parked in the associated parking space without using the column. This means that the charging pole is actually available, but blocked. If TAPS sensors are installed in the parking spaces, operators avoid this problem and can provide clear information.
With LTS AG into the digital future of traffic and parking management
We at LTS AG combine the fields of electronics, hardware and software development, mathematics and physics and make this combination marketable. We develop complex technical solutions in traffic and energy management and always operate at the highest industry standards. With us, decades of experience and proven industry proximity meet bundled competencies. This know-how extends across the vastness of digital and analog engineering.
Our customers therefore benefit from interdisciplinary knowledge and generate maximum added value. All this makes us unique in Switzerland and our German-speaking neighboring countries. As an independent company, we work with foresight and are thus a competent development partner for overall software and hardware solutions. Among other things, we take care of:
Creation of concepts for the integration of people and sensors
Assistance with the selection of suitable hardware
Selection of new storage technologies and their integration
With our TAPS sensors, we solve an acute market problem and reliably lead traffic and parking management into a digital future. Our modular complete solution is based on the highest technological competence on the one hand, and on our deep understanding of what urban society needs on the other.
Complete hardware solution including matching software
Our hardware is unique. No other supplier on the market sells comparable sensor technology. But we go one step further and offer our customers the matching software with the in-house intelligence (GUI). The TAPS software package is in no way inferior to the TAPS sensors in terms of function. Our software is platform independent, local, web based and works in real time.
It allows cities and parking operators to manage their available parking spaces and streets as effectively as possible. The analysis and archiving of the collected data takes place in real time. Monitoring is possible as well as visualization of the data. The user can configure all settings via the software. The operator of a smart parking infrastructure uses our TAPS software suite to evaluate parking behavior in real time.
It intervenes in the traffic situation in a controlling and regulating way. We also offer the appropriate app technology for communication between operator and customer - all from a single source. Interested parties are welcome to contact contact to us and get to know the intelligent parking system of LTS AG. We will help you to use TAPS profitably as quickly as possible.
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