Low-Light All-Weather Traffic Camera
Project Timeline: 2025-2027 (Ongoing)
Links
This portable camera system is designed for short-term deployments to capture video, extract traffic volumes, short-term ADT, TMC summaries, and per-class vehicle counts using a custom deep learning model.
Project Overview
This portable camera system is designed for short-term deployments of up to 60 hours to capture video and extract traffic volumes, short-term ADT, TMC summaries, and per-class vehicle counts using a custom deep learning model.
Project Overview
This project addresses the critical need for reliable traffic monitoring in challenging environmental conditions. The system is specifically engineered to maintain high-quality video capture during adverse weather and low-light scenarios that typically challenge conventional traffic cameras. It can operate in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures while efficiently capturing video over extended periods. The system is optimized for low power consumption, automatic file management, and reliable performance in difficult lighting conditions. It provides a compact and cost-effective solution.
Key Features
- All-weather, weatherproof operation (rain, snow, extreme temperatures)
- Enhanced low-light performance
- Low power consumption, suitable for battery or solar operation
- Extended and flexible recording periods with adjustable settings
- Automatic file management system
- No external WiFi or 5G required; onboard WiFi hotspot via Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W
- Remote SSH access and local video streaming without an internet connection
- Compatible with a wide variety of camera modules
- Custom 3D-printed enclosure for durability and environmental protection
- Tested for up to 7 days of continuous video recording
- Compact and cost-effective design
Applications
- Traffic monitoring and analysis
- Wildlife monitoring
- Security surveillance
- Time-lapse photography
- Environmental monitoring
The system is designed with a thermally optimized metal rear enclosure featuring integrated cooling fins, allowing passive heat dissipation without the need for active cooling components. The CPU is mounted in direct contact with the metal backplate, ensuring efficient heat transfer and reliable operation during extended deployments. A built-in web-based interface enables users to wirelessly monitor system status, configure recording settings, and access live video streams remotely, providing convenient control and diagnostics without requiring a physical connection.
The system is designed with a thermally optimized metal rear enclosure featuring integrated cooling fins, allowing passive heat dissipation without the need for active cooling components. The CPU is mounted in direct contact with the metal backplate, ensuring efficient heat transfer and reliable operation during extended deployments. A built-in web-based interface enables users to wirelessly monitor system status, configure recording settings, and access live video streams remotely, providing convenient control and diagnostics without requiring a physical connection.
Project Details
Funding: ASSET, MassDOT
Impact
This system provides transportation agencies with a reliable, cost-effective solution for continuous traffic monitoring regardless of weather conditions, enabling better traffic management and safety analysis.
