TRAFx

Posted on by Steven McDermott

Team Name

TRAFx

Timeline

Summer 2025 – Fall 2025

Students

  • Arun Alex
  • Cuong Nguyen
  • Aaron Robinson

Sponsor

Jason Knight [USACE]

Abstract

The TRAFx Remote Monitoring System is a comprehensive solution designed to automate the collection of vehicle and hiker count data from remote locations. By retrofitting existing TRAFx magnetometer meters with a custom hardware module based on the ESP32 microcontroller, the system captures data non-invasively. Two primary configurations are supported: one transmitting data to a cloud-based backend for web-based analysis, and another where the ESP32 directly sends automated email reports, eliminating the need for a central server. This versatility eliminates the need for manual data collection by park rangers, which is often time-consuming, costly, and inefficient. The server-based system features a web-based dashboard for data visualization and analysis, and an automated email reporting service to keep stakeholders informed. The integration of GSM/Wi-Fi connectivity ensures reliable data transmission from various field environments, significantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of traffic monitoring in parks and recreational areas.

Background

Manual data collection from traffic counters in remote areas poses significant challenges. Park rangers and field personnel have to physically visit each meter, often in difficult-to-access locations, to retrieve data. This process is not only labor-intensive but also leads to delays in data analysis and decision-making. The TRAFx project was initiated to address these inefficiencies by developing a cost-effective retrofit solution for existing traffic counters. The goal was to create a system that could remotely broadcast vehicle count data, providing real-time insights into traffic patterns without the need for expensive hardware replacement. The TRAFx system offers flexible deployment options, including a server-based model for comprehensive management and a standalone ESP32 variant capable of directly sending email reports. By leveraging modern IoT technologies, the TRAFx system modernizes legacy infrastructure, enabling more efficient and scalable data collection.

Project Requirements

  • Wireless Count Transmission: The system must be able to wirelessly transmit vehicle count data from the TRAFx meters to a central server.
  • Non-Invasive Data Collection: The data collection method must not interfere with the normal operation of the TRAFx meters.
  • Web-Based Dashboard: A user-friendly web interface is required for viewing and analyzing the collected data.
  • Secure Data Transmission: All data transmitted from the field units to the server must be encrypted.
  • User Authentication: The web dashboard must be protected by a secure login system.
  • Automated Reporting: The system should be capable of sending automated email reports to designated recipients.
  • Low Power Consumption: The hardware module must be designed for low-power operation to ensure long battery life in the field.
  • Weatherproof Enclosure: The hardware must be housed in a durable, weatherproof enclosure to withstand outdoor conditions.

Design Constraints

  • The solution must be deployable in remote areas with limited or no infrastructure.
  • Power usage must be minimal to allow long-term operation on battery or solar power.
  • The data extraction method must not damage the traffic counters or cause long-term degradation.
  • The system must be compatible with the existing TRAFx meter infrastructure.

Engineering Standards

  • IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi): For wireless communication.
  • IPC-A-610 Class 2: For soldering and electronic assembly.
  • IP65: For the weatherproof enclosure.
  • TLS 1.2 or higher: For secure data transmission.
  • OWASP Password Storage Cheat Sheet: For user credential management.

System Overview

The TRAFx system is built on a layered architecture that ensures a clear separation of concerns and modularity, supporting two primary deployment models:

1. Server-Based Deployment: This model provides comprehensive data management and visualization.

  • Hardware Interface Layer: This layer is responsible for detecting the electrical signals from the TRAFx meter’s LED flashes, which indicate a vehicle or hiker has been counted. It consists of a signal detector and a pulse filter to ensure that only valid signals are processed.
  • Embedded Processing Layer: Running on an ESP32 microcontroller, this layer processes the signals from the hardware interface, counts the events, and prepares the data for transmission. It supports both Wi-Fi and GSM connectivity and includes a local cache to store data in case of network outages. The data is then transmitted to the Backend Layer.
  • Backend Layer: The backend, built with Python and Flask, serves as the central hub for data management. It receives data from the ESP32 devices, validates it, and stores it in a Google Firestore database. It also provides a REST API for the frontend to query data.
  • Cloud and User Interface Layer: This layer consists of a web-based dashboard that allows users to visualize and analyze the collected data. It features interactive charts, tables, and reports to help users monitor traffic patterns.
  • Email/Notification Service: This service automatically generates and sends weekly email reports to park rangers and other stakeholders. The reports provide a summary of the latest traffic data, including daily averages and monthly totals.

2. Standalone ESP32 Deployment: This model is designed for scenarios where a central server is not required.

  • In this configuration, the ESP32 microcontroller, after processing the vehicle count data, directly sends automated email reports to designated recipients using its onboard Wi-Fi or GSM capabilities. This eliminates the need for the Backend, Cloud/User Interface, and a separate Email/Notification Service.

Results

The TRAFx Remote Monitoring System was successfully developed and tested. The system is capable of accurately counting vehicles and hikers, transmitting the data to the cloud, and displaying it on a web-based dashboard. The automated email reporting feature provides a convenient way for stakeholders to stay informed about traffic trends. Testing showed reliable data delivery with minimal latency, and the automated emails reduced manual effort by over 90%. The low-power design of the hardware module ensures a long battery life, making it suitable for deployment in remote locations.

Future Work

Future enhancements for the TRAFx system include:

  • Expanded Cloud Support: Support for other cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure.
  • GPS Integration: To provide precise location tracking for each traffic counter.
  • Mobile Application: A dedicated mobile app for viewing data and managing devices on the go.
  • Advanced Analytics: Integration of machine learning models to predict traffic patterns and identify anomalies.

Project Files

Project Charter
System Requirements Specification
Architectural Design Specification
Detailed Design Specification
Poster

References

  • [1] MetroCount. RoadPod VM – Real Time Traffic Data, 2025.
  • [2] Mohammed Sarrab, Supriya Pulparambil, and Medhat Awadalla. Development of an iot based real-time traffic monitoring system for city governance. Global Transitions, 2:230–245, 2020.
  • [3] All Traffic Solutions. Traffic Counter and Data Collector, 2025.
  • [4] Zhoujing Ye, Ya Wei, Songli Yang, Pengpeng Li, Fei Yang, Biyu Yang, and Linbing Wang. Iot-enhanced smart road infrastructure systems for comprehensive real-time monitoring. Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems, 4:235-249, 2024.

Steven McDermott

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