An Automated System for Accumulating Count Recorder (ACR) Field Data Collection

Li, ShiFeng; Zhang, Zhanmin; Dossey, Terry · 1994 · ROSA P / University of Texas at Austin. Center for Transportation Research

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Summary

This report details the development of an automated system for collecting Accumulative Count Recorder (ACR) field data for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The research was motivated by the critical need for accurate traffic data to support statewide planning, forecasting, roadway design, and federal highway fund allocation. TxDOT manages traffic counts at over 75,000 sites annually using 3,500 ACR devices. Prior to this project, the scheduling of device movements and the transfer of collected data were manual processes involving paper records and manual key-entry into mainframe computers. This manual approach was time-consuming, expensive, and prone to errors. The objective was to replace this system with an automated solution that improves the speed, efficiency, and accuracy of data transmission and scheduling. The researchers conducted a market survey to identify suitable hardware for field operations, evaluating various palmtop computers and personal digital assistants. They compared Hewlett-Packard models (95LX, 100LX, and 200LX) against the Apple Newton. The HP 200LX was selected as the final platform due to its superior memory capacity (2 MB RAM), which allowed for the storage of necessary schedule and data files, and its compatibility with standard modems. The Apple Newton was rejected due to reliability issues and insufficient software support. The software was developed using Borland Turbo Pascal Version 6.0, comprising both field computer software for the HP 200LX units and base computer software for TxDOT’s host computer. The system facilitates two-way communication via phone lines, allowing field operators to download schedule files and upload collected traffic data. The study resulted in a fully functional automated system, with thirty complete hardware systems furnished to TxDOT for field trials. The system architecture involves TxDOT planners generating instruction schedules on a desktop PC, which are then transmitted to field operators’ palmtop computers. These devices guide operators to specific traffic stations for counter setup and removal. Upon completion, the collected data is transmitted back to the central facility. The software includes validation checks for data entry, user ID and password security features, and logging capabilities to track transmission history and troubleshoot issues. The report provides a comprehensive user guide detailing the installation, configuration, and operation of both the host and field components, including procedures for communication through public and TEX-AN phone systems. The significance of this work lies in the transition from a manual, paper-based workflow to an automated digital system, which reduces labor costs and minimizes data entry errors. By enabling real-time data validation and timely transmission, the system enhances the supervision of field crews and ensures the integrity of traffic data used for critical infrastructure decisions. The successful deployment of the thirty systems marks the beginning of replacing the legacy manual processes, offering a scalable model for efficient traffic data management.

Key finding

The HP 200LX palmtop computer was selected as the optimal hardware platform for the automated ACR data collection system due to its sufficient memory capacity and reliability compared to other available devices.

Methodology

other

Provenance

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