CHA developed a mobile commercial electronic screening system for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) through a research contract with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The project began with detailed research of existing electronic screening technologies and practices. After presenting our findings, NYSDOT made technology decisions based on the research. CHA then prepared bid documents and arranged for hardware procurement. We assembled three prototype mobile platforms, including screening and wireless communications components. CHA was able to meet the federally mandated deadline of September 30, 2003 for CVISN Level I compliance by performing a successful roadside test of the system.

Project Challenges:

• Tight timeline – This was a fast-track project, which presents especially difficult challenges during the design of any prototype system.
• Self-powered – Because it is a mobile system it was required to provide its own power. We accomplished this by using solar panels and by minimizing the overall power requirements.

Who Benefits:

• Commercial Vehicle Inspectors benefit by being able to examine an increased percentage of high-risk vehicles. Roving inspection stations may be set up at temporary locations boosting both inspection efficiency and public safety.
• Commercial carriers categorized as low-risk benefit by being cleared to bypass inspection stations and avoid costly idle time.
  • If the vehicle is selected for inspection a red light flashes on a transponder inside the cab of the vehicle, indicating that the driver must pull in.
  • The transponder flashes green for those vehicles cleared for bypass.
• Society benefits because fewer vehicles entering and exiting inspection sites results in safer driving conditions, fewer idling trucks mean less pollution, and the solar powered mobile system itself is an example of a forward-thinking green energy solution.

Click here to read about the second phase of this project. CVIEW