Central Computer System
The hardware configuration of the COMPASS Computer is a Digital VAX system with a LAN, a full backup system and
associated peripherals. The software is written in a high level language and includes major modules for the various subsystems. The FTMS computer contains programs that coordinate and handle all the communications among the Vehicle Detector Stations
Subsystem(VDS), Changeable Message Signs Subsystem (CMS), and Colour Graphics programs.
The computer system is the nucleus of COMPASS and its main functions are as follows:
- Gather information, calculate parameters, make decisions, and output control commands.
- Provide decision support for the COMPASS operators.
- Perform automatic system operations in real-time with minimal human intervention.
- Report system performance in printed form for permanent records as well as in display form to allow operator interaction with the system.
- Control various kinds of systems, including signing and ramp metering rate, by turning on, turning off, or selecting equipment, based on control and decision logic programmed into the computer.
- Maintain and store historical traffic data in different time intervals (20 second, 5 minute, 15 minute, hourly, daily, monthly) for future retrieval and analysis.
- Perform hardware monitoring of all VDS, CMS, RMS equipment connected to the system and automatically alarm operators of equipment failure.
See also:
- Traffic Operations Centre (TOC)
- Central Computer System
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
- Vehicle Detector Stations (VDS)
- Changeable Message Signs (CMS)
- Ramp Metering Stations (RMS)
- Field Provisions (ducts, cabinets, footings, power, etc.)
- Communications Subsystems:
