Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Wed, February 25, 2009 Proxim Wireless: CALTRANS and California Highway Patrol Utilize Proxim Wireless and ICx Technologies for Life-Saving "Fog
SILICON VALLEY, CA--(Marketwire - February 25, 2009) - [ Proxim Wireless Corporation ] (
"The combination of harsh fog conditions and irresponsible driving often result in deadly multi-vehicle accidents along this stretch of road," said Central Division CHP Chief Jim Abrames. "This system will play a key role in identifying and alerting drivers to dangerous conditions, empowering them with the information necessary to take precaution and, ultimately, to save lives."
As fog conditions increase in severity, traffic speeds tend to decrease rapidly. When you combine the rapid decrease in traffic speeds with decreased visibility, it makes it easy for faster traffic coming into heavy fog zones to collide with the slower traffic that they cannot see. The Fog Pilot system keeps drivers updated on upcoming speeds and visibility conditions in advance, so that drivers can slow down and adjust their driving as necessary.
The Fog Pilot system, which was completed at the end of the year and is now operational, integrates multiple technologies including weather detection stations, microwave vehicle/motion detectors, visibility sensors, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and changeable message signs. All of these components communicate and are connected wirelessly via Proxim's [ Tsunami™ MP.11 5054 ] base stations and [ 5012 subscriber units ], which utilize high performance, license-free WiMAX technology to wirelessly transmit the large amount of data generated by the multiple components. All of this data and all of the components in the system are centrally managed and controlled by ICx's Cameleon ITS Transportation Management Software, which ties everything together into one integrated system. ICx worked closely with Moonblink Communications, a value added distributor focused on wireless technologies, to identify the technologies that would best serve this project.
A total of 21 weather sensors, traffic sensors placed every quarter mile, and a series of CCTV cameras all detect and gather a great deal of information including the severity of the fog, driver visibility, amount of traffic, traffic speeds and more. All of this information is then fed back to the Cameleon software via Proxim's wireless radios, which are centrally managed via Proxim's network management system, [ ProximVision ES ]. The Cameleon software then utilizes the data to create the warnings and updates that are communicated to drivers via the large changeable message signs, which are placed every half mile.
The key to driver safety, however, is how fast these alerts can be delivered to drivers. The Fog Pilot system uses advanced automation technology that can process and deliver the weather warnings automatically to drivers. The high performance and low latency of Proxim's wireless technology enables these automated alerts to be processed and delivered to drivers in under 30 seconds.
"We have complete confidence that this system will both reduce accidents and save lives during the winter fog season," said CALTRANS District 6 Director, Malcolm X. Dougherty. "Our $12 million investment in this system will be well worth it if it can help save even one life."
About ICx Technologies™
ICx Technologies is a leader in the development and integration of advanced sensor technologies for homeland security, force protection and commercial applications. Our proprietary sensors detect and identify chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats, and deliver superior awareness and actionable intelligence for wide-area surveillance, intrusion detection and facility security. We then leverage our unparalleled technical expertise and government funding to address other emerging challenges of our time ranging from a cleaner environment, alternative energy to life science. For more information please visit [ www.icxt.com ].
About Moonblink Communications
Based in Sunnyvale, Calif., Moonblink Communications is a value-added distributor with a targeted focus on wireless systems. With a broad wireless technology portfolio from the industry's leading manufacturers, Moonblink provides a complete spectrum of wireless solutions including WiFi, WiMAX, wireless VoIP, wireless surveillance camera systems, license-free and licensed broadband wireless solutions. This focus on wireless, as well as highly qualified sales, engineering and technical support personnel, have made Moonblink a leader in wireless networking equipment distribution. Moonblink serves all VARs and Integrators that service the enterprise, government, education, and security markets throughout the Americas. For more information please visit [ www.moonblink.com ] or call 1-877-623-5223 or 1-408-850-1143.
About Proxim Wireless
Proxim Wireless Corporation (
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Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could contribute to such differences including difficulties in overcoming the network installation and operational challenges relating to any specific customer or geographical area; factors affecting actual product performance in specific deployments, which could result in lower benefits, throughput, range, and other performance criteria than achieved in laboratory tests or otherwise expected; factors beyond our control such as weather, geographic, governmental, trade and customs, interference, and other third-party issues; and difficulties or delays in supplying products with the features, performance, compliances, certifications, cost, price, and other characteristics desired by customers. Further information on these and other factors that could affect our actual results is and will be included in filings made by Proxim Wireless Corporation from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our other public statements.
