Page 70 - Security Today, October 2017

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Disruptive False Alarms
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2017
it can use to flash messages, such as telling motorists what roads to avoid to get around congestion caused by traffic accidents.
WSDOT also controls a 260-ramp meter- ing system, sometimes called flow lights, which limits how fast motorists get on a freeway.
Other monitoring operations include the roadways and pedestrian walkways inside tunnels, which are monitored 24/7. As WS- DOT employees see issues like truck load spills or pooling water, radio operators can dispatch field workers to pick up spills or unclog drains. A 20-seat Emergency Opera- tions Center in the same building uses a line matrix of eight NEC P403 40-inch monitors for traffic video. WSDOT information offi- cers use the displays during emergencies to monitor local news to ensure they are getting out the correct message to the public. There is also a console WSDOT shares with area transit officials.
“During inclement weather, we get their personnel in here, so we can help directly manage buses to avoid problem spots,” For- bis said. “Plus, if they need roads sanded or plowed, we can dispatch maintenance from this location.”
All displays have OPS computers in them, and all are wired with Cat-6 cable to a back room via a large Cisco switch through which WSDOT routes all video traffic. An unusual feature of the computer system is its DIY element: State ITS employees wrote the applications that run on the OPS.
“One reason we went to the effort to do that is that we like having the licensing our- selves,” Forbis said.
“We give it to TV stations and major net- works and they can tap in to our video for their live newsfeeds, and don’t have to deal with licensing.”
WSDOT also installed five NEC P463 monitors in the office area. Each manager has one on his or her office wall, with two near the supervisors. The monitors include high-end Nextcom OPS computers and wireless keyboards, and are loaded with Mi- crosoft Office and linked to the corporate network.
“Think 46-inch PC on your wall,” Forbis said. “Everyone loves these things.”
Forbis added that the displays in the monitoring and control system have been running 24/7 for more than a year with no failures.
“We never turn off this wall,” he said. “We’re very happy with all of the monitors.”
Kevin Christopherson is the director of product marketing at NEC.
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