Analysis of microprocessor based vehicular instrumentation and automatic passenger counting systems

Abstract

Information on transit ridership and operations is a necessary condition as far as efficient management is considered. Transit managements on the acquisition of such a data base can confirm predictions about scheduling, receive warnings about potential dangers and plan future operations on a much broader and precise base. Data from passenger counts provide essential information to marketing and scheduling personnel by identifying peak load-points and the such. Using manual collection methods for such data is expensive and prone to human errors. Automatic Passenger Counting (APC) systems are viewed as an improved and economical technique for data collection. Such systems monitor the progress of a particular vehicle — its position, number of passengers getting on and off, times and distances between stops — and make this data available for processing. These are state of the art systems, mostly microprocessor based and often embracing a modular structure. The Red Pine system is such a system with different dedicated modules for each bank of tasks. Multitasking software is seen to be an powerful tool for such systems and simplify the architecture of the system hardware. A CHMOS hardware design, suited for multitasking softwares is provided. Interfacing software for the Red Pine system has been developed and is explained. Debugging testing and simulation of the Red Pine hardware is detailed. Modifications have been recorded and improvements suggested.