IMSA - International Municipal Signal Association - 2008 Technical Session Descriptions

Quick Links

IMSA Certification Program Information

Current Programs

Certification Renewal

General Information

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
ENHANCING SAFETY AND SECURITY WITH SOLAR LED AREA LIGHTING
Greg Miller, Carmanah Technologies Corp

Breaking through traditional ideas about the restrictions of lighting applications, this interactive session explores solar LED area lighting as a means of expanding the safety, security and accessibility of outdoor environments. The presentation will begin with an introduction on solar LED lighting technology: its components, operation and design. An interactive presentation of the benefits and drawbacks of solar LED lighting that focuses on the environments in which audience members operate will follow with an open forum for discussion. The presentation will also examine barriers to traditional lighting applications and explore ways in which solar area lighting can be used to expand safety and security while improving the cost-effectiveness of operations.

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
THE APPLICATION AND INSTALLATION OF INDUCTION BASED PED-PADS
Kelly Hughes, Advanced Traffic Supplies Ltd

Induction based Ped-pads are now commonplace in a number of cities around the world. They are used in a variety of applications including the activation of in-pavement lighting and for detecting the presence/absence of pedestrians at signalized crosswalks. The correct installation of these pads plays an important part in their sensitivity and reliability. This session will cover an overview of pedestrian detection, practical applications and the installation and calibration of the equipment. The speaker will utilize a PowerPoint slideshow, animations, photographs and text, all of which will be made available to attendees.

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
LEVERAGING THE COPPER NETWORK TO DELIVER ADVANCED VIDEO AND DATA SERVICES
Charles Clawson, Actelis Networks

With budget cutbacks, agencies are being asked to continue to provide services that communities have come to expect, but with fewer resources. In many cases, government agencies are turning to technology to help them better manage their community responsibilities. This session discusses alternatives for cost-effectively delivering scalable, high-quality bandwidth to locations over existing copper infrastructure. This technology would benefit agencies that own private copper networks as well as organizations that utilize existing "dry copper pairs" from the service providers. The speaker will discuss how to deliver up to 70 Mbps of Ethernet, TDM or ATM services over existing copper pairs, thereby keeping capital expenditures to minimum, while improving the quality of community services including high-quality, high-bandwidth voice, data and video communications.

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:30 AM – Noon
WIRELESS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - COMBINING A CITY’S EXISTING WIRELESS NETWORK WITH THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL NETWORK
Michael Reese & Gus Woodman, City of Avondale, AZ

The City of Avondale, AZ has converted its traffic signals from 170 controllers to 2070 controllers. As a part of the conversion wireless communications was established between intersections using radios, routers and switches. The Avondale network is composed of a combination of 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 4.9 GHz and free space optics (laser) communications. In addition, the traffic signal system was integrated into the City’s existing wireless communication network used for various city facilities. This presentation will focus on the 170 controller to 2070 controller conversion, the advantages of Ethernet and the various wireless components of the network. The presentation will also address future network expansions using licensed microwave frequencies. Attendees will learn the advantages and disadvantages of the various wireless frequencies, controller communications and how to design and maintain wireless communication networks.

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 10:30 AM – Noon
LED LIGHTING IN NORTH AMERICA
Robert Hahn, Lumecon LLC

Conventional arrays of high output light emitting diodes (LEDs) are particularly vulnerable to degradation as it becomes increasingly difficult to shed heat from such arrays. Without aggressive cooling means, LED arrays will degrade rapidly and lose a great deal of their initial luminous output as the operating temperature of the system increases. The industry standard so far has measured light output based on current technologies lumen ratings. Comparing the lumen output of LEDs to that of a discharge source is not an accurate way of measuring effective light output of a luminaire. The goal here is to explain the difference and develop and understanding of how to rate LED light output. Session participants will learn about the effect of color temperature and its effect on visual clarity.

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
THE WIRELESS STRATEGY FOR ARTERIAL STREET NETWORK - BRIDGING THE GAP OF ITS COMMUNICATIONS NEEDS
Arthur Dock, City of Mesa, AZ

This presentation will provide information on the development of the Mesa, AZ ITS project. Communication infrastructure was a key factor including moving from leased lines, utilizing fiber and employing IP technology. The objective, scope and status of the project will be reviewed including technology options, Mesa’s approach, anticipated benefits, challenges and lessons learned.

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
THE VALUE OF INDEPENDENT TESTING OF LED SIGNAL HEADS
Todd Straka, Interlek

An increasing number of agencies are using LED vehicular and pedestrian signals, especially since the federal government has mandated an end to the manufacturing of incandescent traffic signal lamps. Lab reports only show that a manufacturer has the ability to design six lamps that will meet ITE requirements at T=0 for 24 hours of operation. There is no guarantee that production lamps will comply and no guarantee of compliance to the ITE specification over the five year warranty period. Utilizing a third party program shifts the declaration of compliance from the manufacturer to an independent testing agency and ensures that purchasers and end-users receive the highest degree of confidence in product quality and performance. Attendees will learn of the benefits of requiring compliance to Section 6 of the ITE specification and how to lower costs.

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
NATIONAL TRAFFIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT COALITION – YOUR ROLE IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE
David Bergner, City of Overland Park, KS

Responder deaths and injuries on roadways are an increasing concern, as "struck-by" secondary incidents seem to be on the rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, struck-by vehicle incidents accounted for 336 fatalities across all industries in 2003. Through the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition (NTIMC), public safety and transportation organizations, including IMSA, join together to promote policies to promote responder safety (such as move-over laws), encourage use of new technologies and gear to protect responders during roadside operations and promote improved safety procedures and safety training of traffic incident responders. Attendees will learn about their role along with police, fire and EMS agencies in planning and thee development of policies, procedures, protocols to reduce deaths and injuries. The speaker will discuss personnel staffing, relevant training and drills, pre-staging of equipment, materials and tools plus partnerships and mutual aid agreements with other agencies and private firms.

Saturday, July 19, 2008, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
BICYCLE & MOTORCYCLE DETECTION AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS - A CALIFORNIA PERSPECTIVE
Lewis E. Roberts, Iteris, Inc.

Recent legislation in the state of California requires positive detection of both bicycles and motorcycles at all new and upgraded signalized intersection within the state. This level of emphasis on fuel efficient, green friendly, and congestion neutral transportation method is of concern to every traffic management agency. This presentation will explore the realm of new technology available to the traffic professional to efficiently and economically implement these requirements. Particular emphasis will be placed on non-intrusive above ground systems including radar, infrared and video devices. The speaker will highlight the safety issues and growing need for small vehicle detection, define the economic and environmental benefits of the such an approach and explore the various available systems for rapid implementation and conformance.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
ADVANCES IN LOW POWER WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS
Michael Volling, Sensys Networks

This presentation will discuss the latest advances in low power sensor networks in the transportation industry. It will focus on the technical improvements of the networks and how they enable the expansion of detection deployments and how they can be used to improve signal operations and provide a building block technology for future enhancements. The speaker will update attendees on the current state-of-the-art in wireless sensor networking and explain how this new technology allows expanded detection capabilities beyond basic signal control, including data collection and arterial travel time.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 8:00 – 9:00 AM
THE FUTURE OF APS NOW
Douglas Gubbe, Novax Industries Corporation

Advanced Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) have dramatically increased in popularity in the past several years. This popularity has enhanced the level of accessibility of blind and visually impaired persons at signalized intersections. However, these advancements have not come without a price of new exposure to risk and liability. This presentation will examine some of these risks and look at methods to better manage them.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 9:00 – 10:00 AM
TECHNICAL ADVANCES IN SIGNAL MONITORS
Scott Evans, Eberle Design Inc.

This presentation will discuss the technical advances that have been made to the cabinet signal monitor (conflict monitor) over the years that have improved their reliability and effectiveness in detecting and diagnosing cabinet and field wiring malfunctions. Advances in the built-in tools have made initial set-up programming both quick and accurate, reducing the possibility of programming errors that could allow unsafe operation of the intersection. The speaker will cover built-in tools which provide expert assistance in diagnosing the source of cabinet malfunctions. Other topics such as Ethernet remote communications and support for new signal sequences such as Flashing Yellow Arrow will also be discussed.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 10:30 AM – Noon
SIGN MANAGEMENT - WHAT IS IT, WHY DO IT AND HOW TO DO IT
Mike Haley, TAPCO

This presentation will cover many topics including information on tracking your sign inventory and equipment to help locate signs. Using a combination of GPS and descriptive data allows tracking the locations of sign installations and maintenance histories. The speaker will also cover the importance of retro-reflectivity inspections and ways to recognize when a sign is in need of attention and the importance of keeping signs in good condition. Additional topics will include methods of recordkeeping, examples of what to look for if you do not have sophisticated equipment and the current government rulings on signage.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 10:30 AM – Noon
UNDERSTANDING ETHERNET VIDEO AND DATA
Mike Girton, Optelecom-NKF Inc.

This session will offer a primer on the methods used to transport video and data on Ethernet in traffic applications. The presentation will include detailed information on MPEG2, MPEG4 and low speed data transport. It will also cover Ethernet on fiber. This information will help prepare individuals for the design, implementation and operation of networked communications systems.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
FIBER OPTIC INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS IN TRANSITION
Larry Johnson, The Light Brigade, Inc.

As video systems make the transition from analog to IPTV digital transmission, the bandwidth required of fiber optic installations has changed substantially. The emergence of coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) adds both options and challenges for network designers and planners. New technological developments, such as components that allow low reflectance terminations to systems, affect the type of fiber that should be considered for future designs and installations. This session will explore these topics as well as identify industry standardized (non-vendor specific) baseline products recommended for new system designs. The limitations of legacy multimode fibers and how to transition to ITU-T G.652D single mode fibers will also be discussed.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
MID-BLOCK DETECTION & WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ALTERNATIVES
Sean Fraser, EIS - Electronic Integrated Systems Inc.

This presentation will outline valuable applications and wireless methods to collect, communicate and employ traffic statistics gathered through non-intrusive radar detectors located at the mid-block. Discussion will focus upon key areas of real life solutions providing accurate and timely vehicle detection along with the tools employed for gathering traffic information without wires. Illustrations will include communications elements such as digital spread spectrum, wireless contact closure, cellular modem technology, the communications challenges and solutions available. Applications include; traffic responsive and adaptive control, quasi adaptive control and data collection with video verification.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
THE METRO LIGHT RAIL TRAFFIC SYSTEM
Patrick Fuller, City of Phoenix, AZ

The Phoenix area METRO light rail will begin operations on December 27, 2008. This is considered to be one of the most significant transportation infrastructure projects in the Phoenix area in recent times. The 20-mile initial line connects three valley cities and is designed to connect seamlessly with our regional bus system. This presentation will discuss the state of the art signal system used for the rail line, how it interfaces with the various signal systems of the different communities it will serve and the challenges of coordinating the signal systems for this project.

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 3:30 – 5:00 PM
HOW TO DESIGN A HYBRID WIRELESS DATA NETWORK (1200 BAUD – 108 MBPS)
Jeremy Hiebert, Intuicom Inc.

The speaker will review the numerous factors to consider when designing a hybrid wireless data network. Topics will include effective wireless bandwidth (Ethernet & Serial), frequency propagation, network topology and antenna selection. The session will also provide an introduction to the wireless fundamentals of broadband (WIFI, WIMAX), industrial (FHSS) and frequency hopping spread spectrum wireless technologies at 900MHz, 2.4GHz, 4.9GHz and 5.8GHz. The primary objective of this presentation will be to provide a clear understanding of the factors to consider when designing hybrid wireless data networks.

Monday, July 21, 2007, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
ANNUAL BREAKFAST SPEAKER
Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Maricopa County, AZ Sheriff's Office

You probably know him as “America’s Toughest Sheriff,” a name given to him years ago by the media. It’s a name he certainly has earned as head of the nation’s third largest Sheriff’s Office which employs over 3800 people. But even before he became Sheriff in 1993, Joe Arpaio was one tough lawman. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1953 and as a Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas, NV police officer for almost five years. As a federal narcotics agent, Arpaio established a stellar record by infiltrating drug organizations from Turkey to the Middle East, from Mexico and Central and South America to cities around the U.S. He concluded his remarkable 32-year federal career as head of the DEA for Arizona.

In 1992 Arpaio successfully campaigned to become the Sheriff of Maricopa County. Since then he has been reelected to an unprecedented four 4-year terms. During his tenure as Sheriff of Maricopa County, Arpaio has consistently earned extraordinarily high public approval ratings. “The public is my boss,” he says, “so I serve the public.”

Arpaio has over 10,000 inmates in his jail system. In August, 1993, he started the nation’s largest Tent City for convicted inmates. Two thousand convicted men and women serve their sentences in a canvas incarceration compound. It is a remarkable success story that has attracted the attention of government officials, presidential candidates, and media worldwide.

Monday, July 21, 2007, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
TOUR - THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE CENTER OF THE NEW METRO LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM

METRO light rail opens in December 2008. It’s a new way to get to work and school, to connect to Sky Harbor Airport, and to discover the Valley’s best shopping, arts, and entertainment destinations. The light rail will connect seamlessly with our regional bus system and will feature new transit centers and eight new park-and-ride areas. METRO can carry more than 575 passengers in a three-car train. The air-conditioned vehicles feature a no-step passenger entry, large tinted windows, spaces for four wheelchairs and bike racks for four bikes. The vehicles and station platforms are fully accessible.

The Operations and Maintenance Center is the heart of the 20-mile starter line, as well as future extensions. The system’s 50 light rail vehicles are currently housed in and will operate out of the facility beginning in December 2008. The Center will house a 200-person operations and maintenance team comprising of operators, mechanics, cleaners, signal technicians, traction power electricians, track maintainers, and facility maintenance personnel. The tour will depart the hotel at 1:00 PM returning by 5:00 PM. Be sure to sign up early to confirm your place!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE: WIRELESS BROADBAND NETWORKS
Richard Link, Encom Wireless Data Solutions

In this seminar, attendees will explore critical design elements to bring both existing legacy and new traffic and ITS systems into the wireless broadband network. The presenter will discuss Mesh networking options, designing with redundancy and antenna options. Multi-path and repeater functionality will also be covered. Programming, set-up and troubleshooting networks including bandwidth tests, network monitoring and common installation hurdles will be covered. Many new and existing systems can be combined into a new wireless broadband networks.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
ITS ELECTRICAL LIGHTING & MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: CONTROL & MONITORING OF ROADWAY LIGHTING, POWER AND GROUND FAULTS
Jim Frazer, Strategic Telemetry, Inc.

The speaker will review the features and benefits resulting from various implementations of the new US Federal Highway Administration Intelligent Transportation Systems ITS NTCIP 1213 Standard for “Electrical Lighting and Management Systems”. Attendees will learn how to enhance street and roadway lighting maintenance plans, monitor and control dangerous ground fault / electrical leakage conditions and monitor and control your power usage by circuit and by fixture. The presentation will examine integration issues with other ITS sub-systems in order to create expanded features that save additional critical resources including energy and lives!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 10:30 AM – Noon
ADA IN TRAFFIC CONTROL - THE ADA GUIDELINES AS THEY APPLY TO PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS

This presentation will discuss the ADA Public Rights-of-Way guidelines as they apply to traffic signals. It will cover accessible pedestrian signals (APS) operation as well as location requirements of the ped acuators. It will also cover other pedestrian signaling requirements related to roundabouts and other types of intersections.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
RELIABLE AND QUALITY POWER - IT’S IMPORTANCE TO EFFECTIVELY MAINTAIN SIGNALS AND COMMUNICATIONS FOR LIFE AND SAFETY
Dr. Joseph G. Palsa, P.E., Clary Corporation

Dr. Palsa will discuss electrical power, its origins, distribution, problems, and applicable consequences including a review of their effects created by Mother Nature as well as man made systems. The direct effect on various types of traffic controllers, conflict monitors, cameras and other devices will be covered. Other subjects will include the costs associated with downtime and repair of traffic equipment directly related to power problems, how to analyze power problems and determine effects and steps that must be taken to eliminate the problems and power quality analysis and testing equipment applications. This session will also review the different types of equipment utilized to correct various power problems including surge suppression, voltage regulation, current regulation, battery backup, and uninterruptible power systems.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
SUPER BOWL XLII TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLANNING
Debbie Albert, P.E., City of Glendale, AZ

The City of Glendale hosted Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium on February 3, 2008. This presentation will outline the traffic control planning and implementation efforts used to move over 200,000 people during Super Bowl events. Specifically, details on the development of the traffic control plans, the review and implementation process, and lessons learned will be covered. The role of technology in managing traffic will also be addressed. The speaker will discuss the role of local government in special event traffic management, ideas for inter/intra-agency coordination for large special events and uses of technology for special event traffic management.

2008 TECHNICAL SESSION DESCRIPTIONS