Frequently asked questions about the Trafficonseries from Move & Traffic Controls
What is Trafficon and what is it used for?
Trafficon is a sensor family consisting of self-learning optical sensors for door monitoring and control (opening, holding open, closing) in buses and trains. The systems ensure that passengers can board and alight safely, barrier-free, and without contact—without delaying operations. The sensors in the Trafficon series serve as the technological basis for the increasing implementation of fully automated door systems and are therefore among the most innovative door monitoring systems on the market.
What technology is behind Trafficon?
The foundation is self-learning optical sensors. Depending on the model, the sensors operate with one or more light beams, either contactlessly or tactilely. What they all have in common is their reliable detection of passengers both inside and outside the doors – whether it's an arm, a stroller, or a dog leash. Thanks to their self-learning capabilities, the sensors automatically adapt to weather conditions and are therefore unaffected by snow, rain, etc
What products are available in the Trafficonseries?
The series includes three variants that cover different requirements:
Trafficon Line Comfort
Trafficon Line Comfort automatically opens the door (hands-free) upon approach, thus speeding up passenger exchange. In addition, the sensor facilitates barrier-free boarding and increases comfort for people with walkers, strollers, or lots of luggage.
Trafficon Line
Trafficon Line monitors the entire doorway, including any boarding aids, with a multi-beam sensor. The self-learning system automatically adapts to the specific door type. The sensor keeps the door open while passengers are boarding and alighting; if the flow of passengers stops, it sends a closing command to the door control system and reverses the door during the closing process if an obstruction is still present in the closing area.
Trafficon Contact
Trafficon Contact is a novel fiber optic sensor consisting of a specially prepared polymer optical waveguide as a pressure-sensitive sensor element, integrated into the rubber profiles of the door, and a small evaluation unit. With a diameter of only 1.6 mm, the sensor element is one of the smallest on the market and therefore fits even into unusual door profiles. The system detects even the smallest objects, such as a dog leash, and is immune to dirt, rain, snow, and electromagnetic interference.
In addition to these three variants, we offer further sensors for a wide variety of applications related to public transport vehicles. If you have any questions, please contact us using the address below.
What does "self-learning" mean at Trafficon?
The Trafficonvariants (Line, Line Comfort, and Contact) operate with self-learning algorithms. This means the sensor automatically adapts to its environment—to the specific door type, changing weather conditions, and the respective operating environment. Calibration and readjustment are largely eliminated, significantly reducing maintenance. Furthermore, the sensors have a digital input for communication with the door control system, allowing the exchange of information such as "door open" or "door closed." The sensors are testable and, in addition to simple object detection, can also send status data to the door control system (e.g., system failure or pre-failure notification).
For which vehicle types is Trafficonsuitable?
Trafficon is designed for all common public transport systems: city buses, intercity buses, trams, subways, regional and long-distance trains. The various versions cover different door profiles and installation situations — from the narrow door frame of a low-floor bus to the wide sliding door of a tram.
Which standards and guidelines does Trafficonmeet?
The Trafficonseries meets all applicable legal standards and guidelines for door security systems in public transport. These include European safety standards for rail vehicles and buses, as well as relevant fire protection regulations and regulations for barrier-free access.
What distinguishes Trafficon from other door monitoring systems?
Three things in particular:
Firstly, the self-learning technology eliminates the need for manual calibration and automatically adapts to the specific door variant and environmental conditions.
Secondly, the range of the series — opening, keeping open (pedestrian flow), closing, reversing, jamming, fault state / safe state.
Thirdly , robustness: Trafficon sensors are designed for the harsh everyday conditions of public transport and withstand vibration, weather, pollution and vandalism.
How does the contactless door opening work with Trafficon Line Comfort?
The sensor, which is deactivated while the vehicle is in motion, is activated shortly before it comes to a complete stop and immediately triggers the door to open when a passenger approaches – without any physical contact like with a button. This is not only more hygienic but also barrier-free: people with reduced mobility, luggage, or strollers don't have to search for and press a button.
Can Trafficon be retrofitted into existing vehicles?
Yes. The compact design allows for both flush and surface mounting. The sensor is electrically connected to the door control unit via a four-core cable. Since the sensor is delivered pre-assembled for the specific application, no complex adjustments are necessary. Commissioning of the sensor is also unnecessary, as it automatically calibrates itself to the mounting environment and door movement after power is applied.
Where is Trafficon already being used and for whom is Trafficon suitable?
Trafficonsensors are used worldwide, particularly in buses, trams, and trains. These sensors are suitable for transport operators to modernize existing vehicles, and for vehicle manufacturers and system integrators, especially with regard to partially or fully automated boarding/alighting processes, up to and including future autonomous vehicles.
Do you have any further questions about the Trafficon series?
Contact us: sales@mtcontrols.de or +49 (0) 30 5321 6863
