NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2008 — Aldis Corp., a leader in next-generation traffic management systems, announced today the official release of their new concept in intelligent transportation systems (ITS) technology at the ITS World Congress in New York, NY. This concept, GridSmart, marks the beginning of a new generation of traffic management solutions by creating a video tracking solution that allows traffic professionals to actuate and maintain intersections in real time.
With the ability to combine vision and logic, GridSmart may be used for stop-bar actuation (loop replacement), advanced pedestrian safety, rich pedestrian and traffic data (including vehicle types, speed, turn-counts, etc.), emergency vehicle identification, E-911 notification of collisions and adaptive traffic management.
GridSmart combines a 360-degree ultra-wide angle lens, numerous patents and proprietary software to create a single-camera solution that sees the entire intersection and several hundred feet in all directions. GridSmart software integrates multiple data streams to make intelligent, immediate intersection management decisions, maximizing traffic flow and reducing wait times at the intersection.
"We are thrilled to be introducing GridSmart to a national audience," said Bill Malkes, Chief Operation Officer of Aldis. "Our system keeps track of every car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian approaching the intersection. GridSmart is a gigantic technological leap ahead of traditional wire loops that are cut into the pavement at intersections to detect the presence of cars. The high failure rate of loops generates higher costs and greater congestion on the roads. GridSmart is a low-cost alternative for cities of all sizes."
A newly installed GridSmart system hangs above 34th Street and 8th Avenue in Manhattan, just outside the Javits Center where the ITS World Congress is being held. Attendees who visit Aldis' booth are able to see first hand the flattened images and real-time data that the system produces.
The GridSmart platform is user-friendly, easily scalable, and includes a simulator allowing traffic professionals to model various scenarios based on real-world data from that specific intersection. Data from GridSmart may be used for a variety of applications such as timing studies, evaluation of un-actuated intersections and providing real-time travel information.
"This system gives states and municipalities the opportunity to cost-effectively move cars and people through intersections more safely and smoothly than ever before," said James "Vig" Sherrill, President and CEO of Aldis. "We are proud to be able to marry our roads with 21st Century technology."
About Aldis:
Aldis Inc. is a Tennessee-based CleanTech company specializing in vision-based technologies for intelligent traffic system management and advanced infrastructure solutions. The company develops efficient traffic and energy management solutions to state and municipality partners utilizing the traffic signal asset management program, SmartWay, and the advanced intelligent traffic management solution, GridSmart. For additional information about Aldis, please visit http://www.aldiscorp.com or call (865) 482-2112.
CONTACT:
Eric Seabrook
Aldis Inc.
(865) 482-2112
Lindsey Meyer
AkinsCrisp Public Strategies
(865) 680-6758
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