TagMaster North America

About TagMaster North America

TagMaster North America is a leading provider of long-range automatic vehicle identification (AVI) solutions, offering dual platforms of radio frequency identification (RFID) and license plate recognition (LPR) technology, addressing a wide range of challenges in AVI, ground transportation, and access control. Our diverse family of readers, tags, cameras, accessories and software solutions offer maximum adaptability and versatility.

About Titan Security Group

Titan Security Group is a leading Chicago-based and privately held Midwest security solutions provider that delivers results for our clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. Our approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated and efficient, customized security solutions from a single source. To learn more about Titan’s service offerings, visit https://titan-security.com or contact a Titan representative at 312.902.3400.

Performance improvements with machine learning

Conventional video analytics cannot deliver accurate enough data, but new developments in artificial intelligence, and particularly deep learning, can. Deep learning technology contributes along two lines: it helps enhance the accuracy of video analytics, and can better differentiate between the different road users. A solution using deep learning is trained on what a pedestrian looks like in a city environment so it will more accurately identify peds and tell them apart from other road users, shadows, and reflections.

While the principles of artificial intelligence are not new, the recent development of deep learning technology is made possible by the availability of graphical processing units (GPUs) that can efficiently run deep learning based analytics in real-time. Initially deployed on servers, this technology is now available directly inside video cameras, offering a cost-effective edge solution that can easily be adapted to the IT infrastructure of each city. Better cameras with enhanced nighttime visibility and higher resolution have also been key to enhancing the accuracy of video analytics solutions.

However, there can still be gaps between expectations of cities and what deep learning-based video analytics can provide. Depending on the environment, telling a bicycle apart from a motorcycle or a scooter can still be a big challenge. Yet it is just a matter of time for deep learning to overcome these challenges.

i2v communications can make intersections safer

In a recently published paper, researchers at the University of California at Berkeley analyzed what makes intersections so dangerous. They determined that several of the most important factors can become less dangerous if the driver or autonomous vehicle is given additional information about the signal phase and timing (SPaT) along with data from strategically based detectors through infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) communications.

The path of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians cross each other within intersections creating “conflict zones” that are sometimes obstructed from view by other vehicles or objects. These conflict zones can be entirely mapped for a given intersection, and the right detection technology can determine if they are occupied at any given time and communicate this in real time to road users.

Also, drivers, pedestrians, or a bicyclist use the signal lights to know whether their planned movement is permitted, but they may not know if a potentially conflicting movement is also permitted at the same time. This spatial uncertainty about right-of-way can be eliminated if the infrastructure provides complete phase information as part of a SPaT I2V message.

Lastly, even when there is no conflicting movement, a crash may occur from the illegal movement of other vehicles or road users. With appropriate feedback from the sensors, the road user can be warned and take evasive actions.

Smartphone apps open the door to virtual pedestrian and bicycle detection

These days practically all pedestrians and bicyclists have a smartphone with GPS positioning. So the secure exchange of data between traffic signals and smartphone apps is opening the door to a host of new mobility and safety solutions for VRUs. Siemens SiBike, Dynniq CrossCycle, and Sensys Networks GiveMeGreen! smartphone apps are examples of such solutions that are transforming the way bicyclists and pedestrians are being detected and are interacting with traffic signal controllers.

While they differ in the ways they are implemented, the concept of operation for each of these solutions is quite similar. Here’s an example use case:

• The phone’s GPS positioning is used to locate bicyclists approaching equipped traffic signals
• When the bicyclist crosses a ‘virtual tripwire,’ the app alerts the traffic signal controller of the approaching bicyclist and its expected arrival time at the intersection so it can inform the bicyclist that they have been detected
• The controller then extends the current green phase or activates the designated signal timing plan that properly serves these road users

Solutions like these for bicyclists improve mobility by reducing the number and duration of stops at signals, but even more importantly increase safety by improving detection accuracy for bikes and informing bicyclists that they have been detected. This reduces instances of bicyclists proceeding through a red light, which happens when they do not feel that they are being detected.

App-based solutions have been deployed in several cities in the U.S. including Santa Clarita, California where the project won numerous industry awards. In that city, the solution is deployed on bike lanes that intersect heavily traveled arterials and triggers a lighted sign to alert turning motorists of bicyclists about to cross.

Similarly, these virtual detection solutions can offer significant benefits to pedestrians, particularly visually impaired, elderly, or handicapped road users by communicating the special needs to the signal controller that may enable, for example, a longer pedestrian crossing phase. For the visually impaired, crossing a large intersection can be very challenging and dangerous, starting with simply finding the ped crossing button. Smartphone apps can place the crossing request wirelessly, and also provide additional audible information to the user about the number of lanes, geometry, and other valuable information to assist with a safer crossing.

In conclusion

As described above, detection for VRUs, including discerning between modes of travel, has improved dramatically in recent years. Additionally, I2V communications and smartphone apps can fill critical information gaps, especially when the environment is obstructed or the users are visually impaired. It is safe to say these solutions lend hope, and real solutions to Vision Zero programs around the world.

TagMaster acquires all outstanding shares in Citilog SAS. (“Citilog”) from Axis AB. Both Citilog and TagMaster are leading technology providers in the ITS sector, selling direct and through channel partners to end users such as authorities and road operators. Citilog’s video-based edge analytic will be a very important additional detection technology within TagMasters growing multi-modal ITS data solutions. Accurate detection and actionable data are the foundation for future ITS systems.

The acquisition provides the companies with an enhanced capacity for creating future products and data solutions in the US and Europe, as well as a platform for future business models as selling detection as a service (DaaS). There will be a very clear and direct cooperation with Citilog and Sensys Networks within sales and development, and high margin software will be much larger part of our future group revenue.

TagMaster and Citilog will continue to cooperate with Axis as partners.

Citilog
Citilog was the first company to introduce video-based automatic incident detection in 1997. With more than 20 years of research and development in the field of analytics applied to traffic solutions Citilog has constantly demonstrated a strong commitment to the traffic industry, in line with its vision.

In 2019 Citilog introduced the first incident management analytics module based on Deep Learning technology. Citilog has today a broad portfolio of cutting-edge algorithms (products), based on deep learning, that can be used as both edge solutions and cloud-based solutions. Citilog is focusing on 4 application areas incident management, traffic efficiency, traffic statistic and remote parking enforcement.

Citilog is headquartered in Paris, with a subsidiary in US, and is led by industry veterans who bring years of experience in video-based traffic management solutions for smarter mobility. Citilog has more than 45 000 cameras and sensors deployed in over 60 countries all over the world.

Background and acquisition rationale
The past year confirms the validity of the TagMaster’s chosen strategy of focusing on growth within the Traffic Solutions application segment. Cities and other densely populated areas worldwide face challenges of rapid growth, rising populations, climate change, declining air quality and forced urban development, which places new demands on transportation systems. Meeting these challenges requires Intelligent Transportation Solutions that streamline traffic flows and contribute to the necessary shift to a more sustainable and safe transport system.

Citilogs products are deployed as part of several ITS applications including Incident Management, Traffic Signal Control- and Traffic Statistic. The Incident Detection market is estimated to be $500 million globally by 2024*, with growth (CAGR >15%) driven largely by the increasing global demand for Smart City solutions.

”TagMaster is very excited about this important step in our growth strategy, as Citilog makes us stronger in the ITS market. Citilog is also adding a wealth of AI and deep learning software capabilities and with the combined expertise of Citilog, Sensys Networks and TagMaster, we have excellent revenue growth opportunities in both US and European markets” says Jonas Svensson, CEO, TagMaster.

Commenting on the acquisition, Eric Toffin, Citilog, said “We are very pleased to be joining the TagMaster group. We recognise and welcome the strength that the union will bring to both brands and the synergies that are immediately apparent with the other TagMaster companies”

*According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, February 2020

The use of adaptive control has been shown to improve travel times between 10-50%. And a recent transportation research study also showed that the resulting decrease in delays and stops had a positive effect on driver behavior, while reducing driver stress and heart rate.

Meanwhile, the FHWA confirms that the reliability and accuracy of adaptive systems require well-maintained detection.

FlexMag adaptive detection is like an automated stress-reliever for your streets

Our FlexMag sensor is the backbone for successful adaptive systems around the world. Unlike loops, these detectors don’t require tearing up roads or rewiring intersections, and take just 25% of the time to install vs loops. Perhaps most importantly, these same wireless sensors are even more accurate and robust enough to outlast the abuse roadways suffer from vehicles, weather, and road work.

Cape Town, South Africa uses FlexMag for their adaptive detection. They chose us primarily due to our accuracy as well as the lower lifecycle cost of the system. “The installation of this system is so much easier than loops, especially since it does not require power where the detection is located.” says Andrew Houliston from Syntell, who oversaw the project.

Adaptive detection that adapts to your needs.

For more information and to schedule a demo, click here to book a call with us.

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A 157-kilometre network of fibre optics connects the centre with the smart devices installed along major motorways in the emirate

An intelligent control room in Al Ain helps to monitor traffic, avoid congestion on the roads and reduce the emergency response time in the event of an accident. The control room in the traffic management centre became fully operational in May.A 157-kilometre network of fibre optics connects the centre with all the smart devices installed at 81 intersections and major motorways in the emirate. The control room also livestreams and monitors images from 87 traffic cameras across the city.
“The control room responds to any incident through a fully adaptive and integrated traffic management system that was put in place in 2017 and became fully operational in May 2020,” said Hamad Al Afifi, acting director of the traffic management division.
Previously, Al Ain city had a few traffic junctions that operated on an isolated system. Today, we have a world class fibre-optic network that connects this control room with all vehicle detection sensors and traffic signals.

“In case of an accident or if a vehicle breaks down, we verify it through the video surveillance camera and dispatch our nearest road service patrol car for assistance. Our patrol car usually reaches the location within 15 minutes of receiving the alert. We also inform road users about the incident through Variable Message Signs and advise them to use alternative routes. VMS is an electronic traffic sign used on roads to alert motorists. Fourteen VMS signboards are installed on the roads across the emirate to give real-time traffic updates and alert driverstof traffic congestion, accidents or bad weather. There are also 1,400 vehicle detection sensors that can identify traffic congestion and alert the control room. These sensors count the number of vehicles and send this data to the control room through the fibre-optics network. It automatically alters the green interval time of the traffic signal and minimises the waiting time at intersections,” Mr Al Afifi said.

The smart system can control and readjust the parameters on its own, according to the traffic. This has reduced delays at junctions, reduced travel time for road users by 20 per cent to 30 per cent and improved the response time to incidents by 25 per cent through the video surveillance system.

Article from The National UAE, Victor Besa

Watch – Inside the smart control room that monitors traffic in Al Ain

Through our US subsidiary Sensys Networks Inc. we received an order regarding enhanced functionality of the German capital Berlin’s traffic management system. The order concerns to equip numerous intersections with advanced stopbar and detection technology. The order is the first for Sensys Networks on the German market.

The wide-scale deployment of Sensys Networks’ FlexMag and FlexRadar technologies comes as a result of a series of successful trials at multiple locations throughout Berlin. With a dense network of tram lines and bicycle paths across the city, the FlexRadar sensor was the critical component for Berlin’s traffic authority. Because this in-ground radar technology is immune to electromagnetic interference, it enables the accurate detection of bicycles in the presence of trams.

“With the intricate maze of tram, bicycle and automobile traffic in Berlin, it’s critical to have accurate detection enabling their intelligent traffic solutions. Also, Berlin gets the high quality data required by modern traffic management systems, and can do it in considerably less time and a lower cost” said our CEO Jonas Svensson .

Berlin’s general contractor, Alliander, has taken the lead to determine and to select the sites for these smart intersection installations. Assisting with implementation are Siemens, Swarco, Stuehrenberg, Spie and AVT Stoye.

Svensk doldis spelar nyckelroll när Europa ställer om sitt resande

Artikel av Per Mattson, Dagens Industri

See the DI article here

Trafiksystem anpassade till cyklister kommer att bli betydligt vanligare i framtiden, tror svenska Jonas Svensson, vd för First North-noterade TagMaster som jobbar med trafikplanering över hela världen.

Svenska doldisen TagMaster spelar en nyckelroll när flera av Europas städer moderniserar sitt resande. I dag är de en liten spelare i en växande bransch. Men planen är att bli världsledande. Med appen GiveMeGreen – som ska ge cyklister grön gata genom staden – tar de steget in på en ny marknad.

Tänk dig ett trafikljus som vet att du kommer långt innan du når fram till en korsning och ser till att du har grön gubbe när du väl är framme.

Det är idéen bakom appen Givemegreen som TagMaster fick med sig när de förvärvade det amerikanska bolaget Sensys Network för i juni förra året.

”GiveMeGreen bygger på Sensys arbete med flöden och trafikstyrning och är kopplade till de controllersystem som finns i en vägkorsning. De har jobbat tätt ihop med universitet i Berkeley i Kalifornien och tittat på olika framtidslösningar. Det var så idéen kom till.  Hur kan man nyttja intelligensen som finns i dessa system för att bistå fler trafikslag? När vi kom in i matchen ett så hade man precis fått ihop konceptet och påbörjat ett första beta-test i Kalifornien”, säger TagMasters vd Jonas Svensson till Dagens Industri

Enkelt förklarat går systemet ut på att användarens app kopplar upp sig via bluetooth med ett system då cyklisten befinner sig cirka 90 meter från övergångsstället. Så fort en cyklist med appen installerad upptäcks skickar den ett meddelande till cyklisten för att informera om att den har upptäckts.

När cyklisten med appen GiveMeGreen närmar sig ett trafikljus aktiveras en virtuell knapptryckning. Tanken är att det ska ge cyklisten grönt ljus lagom till att hen kommer fram till korsningen. 

The XT-5 is the latest, state of the art addition to TagMaster’s XT-series. This new reader is full of the latest technology with several new and updated features. This is the best Long Range RFID reader we have ever built and we dare to say: this is probably the best reader on the market today.

The XT-5 is tailored for automatic vehicle identification applications such as parking, industrial gates, barriers, gated communities, road tolls, etc. The reader is easy to set up and install and is designed for all kinds of environments. And as with all TagMaster readers, it supports all major interfaces and communication protocols.

New and improved features:

• Read range up to 12m (40ft)
• Self-jammer cancellation (SJC)
• High power radio with polarization control
• Advanced Linux based UHF reader with PoE+
• Additional external antenna as option
• Dual Wiegand ports 

In addition to the list above the XT-5 has a long list of usage areas and functions. Please, visit us and find out more about this new, impressive reader.

Learn more about the XT-5 Long Range Reader here

Sensys Networks – Shaping the industry with forward – thinking cities

Read the article in TTI March/April issue the benefits of wireless sensors over inductive loop technology. Read also about how the cost of inaccurate data can be staggering and how our simple example shows that a 10% count inaccuracy can result in more than $365K per year in lost productivity.

Read the TTI article here

TagMaster joins Omniair as executive level member.

As the year winds down, OmniAir Consortium® continues to press forward and grow our international member base. TagMaster is the second member to join in October as they see the value in participating today, versus waiting for the New Year.

TagMaster provides RFID technologies for Automatic Vehicle Identification in all electronic tolling systems. Their UHF readers, with a radio frequency of 860-930 MHz, are optimized for road toll applications with advanced, algorithm-based multi-lane features. Their Electronic Toll Collection (ETC), All-Electronic Toll Collection (AETC) and Multi-Lane Free-Flow (MLFF) systems enable selected users fast access through tollgates, as well as cashless toll payments – eliminating the need to stop. These solutions are safer, faster, simpler and more efficient, reducing some of the public resistance to the introduction of new toll lanes.

“OmniAir looks forward to the contributions TagMaster will provide as an Executive Member as we finalize our plans and launch our new multi-protocol RFID certification program for tolling in Q1 of 2020,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director of OmniAir Consortium.

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and Connected Vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories.

www.omniair.org

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