05 August 2021

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. has received an order from Genius Traffic System Co., Ltd. in Thailand for a field operational test of traffic signal control using probe information in Bangkok. The field operational test will be conducted for about one month from February 2022.

In commonly used traffic control systems, the congestion length information required for traffic signal control is collected and measured mainly through the use of sensors installed on roads. This method is costly and time-consuming in terms of sensor installation and maintenance. This is one factor that prevents the widespread use of such systems in developing countries.
 
One way to solve this problem is to use probe information obtained by collecting data such as the vehicle driving position and vehicle speed. Probe information is superior to sensor information in terms of cost and the scope of information collected, and is therefore considered to be highly effective. Sumitomo Electric had previously proposed to Genius that traffic signals be controlled using probe information. Genius has now decided to conduct a field operational test using a system that was established by Genius in a project to improve traffic congestion in Bangkok.^*1 This field operational test aims to control traffic signals and offer congestion information by using the probe information available from global mapmaking company and location technology specialist, TomTom^*2, and to compare and verify the results with those of a system using sensors. Sumitomo Electric has received an order from Genius for a system to receive probe information from TomTom and a system to control traffic signals.


Sumitomo Electric will conduct a test to evaluate and confirm the applicability of traffic signal control using probe information as a relatively inexpensive area-wide traffic control system and to demonstrate its effectiveness. Based on the test results, Sumitomo Electric will further propose and introduce the system to cities like Bangkok and other countries, where such systems have not yet been introduced due to various problems, including budget limitations. Sumitomo Electric will thereby contribute to alleviating traffic congestion, which is a serious problem in urban areas, and achieving a comfortable traffic environment.      


*1 Project for Improving Traffic Congestion in Bangkok
This refers to the “Project for Improving Traffic Congestion in Bangkok through the Establishment of Model Area Traffic Control (ATC) System in the Kingdom of Thailand” implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Almec Corporation, which implements this project, has ordered Genius to perform part of the local work, and Sumitomo Electric has been entrusted by Genius to implement the work related to the field operational test.

Part of this project has been commissioned by Genius to Sumitomo Electric.
Reference: Press release on December 22, 2020
 　　　　　  Sumitomo Electric Receives Order for Traffic Control
                  System-related Products for Bangkok, Thailand
　　　　    https://global-sei.com/company/press/2020/12/prs126.html
     
*2 TomTom
TomTom collaborates with Sumitomo Electric to offer traffic-related solutions to help
achieve a safe and comfortable society.
Reference: Press release on October 17, 2019
Sumitomo Electric and TomTom Collaborate to Improve Road
Safety and Traffic Congestion
https://global-sei.com/company/press/2019/10/prs080.html