Slashdot Mirror
MIT Researchers Fight Gridlock with Linux
nerdyH brings us a report about a Linux-based device being developed at MIT which aims to reduce traffic congestion as well as assist automotive research projects.
"The current focus of the project is in developing algorithms that run on top of the portal application to help drivers plot the best route at a given time. For example, the team's MyRoute project includes applications that model delays observed on road segments as statistical distributions. Various algorithms then use these to compute optimal routes for different times of the day. 'Instead of asking the shortest time or shortest distance from point A to point B, you ask what route should be taken, say, for the highest probability of getting to the airport by a certain time depending on the time selected,' says Madden."
that may take longer than you are guessing. mostly because uptake of smartphones is going to be quicker among the technically elite. judging by slashdot posts that particular crowd seems to dislike the idea of someone tracking where they are all the time. people who jump on this are probably not going to be getting gps phones till the free phone from their carrier has it. or you could go with the assumption that what is posted is likely far from what these people do in their real lives... for example how many of these privacy nuts use gmail?
thats right, I rarely use capitals. deal with it. but don't mistake my laziness for stupidity
GPS isn't necessary. E911 location is probably "good enough" for this type of location and it's in every phone right now. I woudn't go for it because both systems suck down batteries. Another reason I wouldn't want to participate in a program that would help the Department of Fatherland Security anyway, they'll probably find some way to get unfettered access to the information.
http://www.xmradio.com/navtraffic/market_coverage.xmc
The methodology for gathering the info varies, but in Houston they use the electronic tolltags, even on roads that are not tolled. By measuring the time between stations, it calculates the average speed of cars on that segment.
The results are downloaded into the navigation system in my car, and depicted as green, yellow, or red bars adjacent to the route. However, I've never been able to determine if the GPS routing uses the speed information to calculate the fastest route, as I don't live in an area for which speed information is available. A couple of years ago, it was reported on Slashdot that Baltimore was going to test monitoring of traffic speeds using (presumably generic) cellphones. This article, although somewhat dated, reports initial results and also notes that the state of Virginia is doing the same thing.
But actually, that would be a good us of the system; if there ever were an evacuation, it would be useful to have a system to reroute around the inevitable traffic jams...
http://www.geoffreylandis.com
Reactively re-routing will alleviate congestion, but as the number of users approaches 50%, this strategy diminishes in its return. Only a minority can benefit from reaction to a majority. Early adapters, People-In-A Hurry-with-the-Money, would experience benefit while the congestion, overall, is lowered...so I figure this plan has great appeal-- bureaucrats can insist on its necessity and their monied constituency can avoid the vulgate. Smarter routing Vs. Wider roads...
Would were! Should is! Could be! And live a hundred times three.
I think the EasyWiFi technology that they had to develop in order to get this to work is actually the cooler aspect of this project, especially since its compatible with normal WiFi hotspots.
I could see it becoming a handy addition to any Wifi setup for a mobile device.
Meh. Less people driving would probably be an equally good solution. More people carpooling or using public transportation would work a lot better. A good public transit system can get rid of a lot of cars on the road, and clear up a lot of traffic. The problem with most US cities, is that their public transportation services are atrocious.
Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
It could tell you if it was left at work, at home, or at a friend's house, and so forth. It would be atleast a start, if you have no idea where you left it.