Archive for July, 2011

Real-Time Virtual World Modeling For Transportation Systems

Posted: July 30, 2011 in Uncategorized
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Modeling and simulation of transportation environments represents valuable tools for transportation planners, researchers and system operators.  The latest generation takes another step closer to true, real-world, real-time transportation information systems by meshing real-time data and information with virtual world models to generate real-time virtual models.  Real-time data from CCTV cameras, vehicle GPS, pedestrian GPS, transit systems and other real-time data points are integrated with transportation network models, urban environment models, GIS databases and software modeling tools to establish real-time modeling and simulation applications.   The University of Maryland’s  Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory  (CATT Lab) has been at the forefront of the development of real-time, virtual transportation models.  The CATT Lab’s Real-time, 3D Visualization System meshes data aggregated by the lab’s Regional Integrated Transportation Information System (RITIS) and other real-time, historical and static transportation data and information to produce real-time transportation and traffic models of the Washington D.C. region.

The University of Southern California’s Integrated Media Systems Center is also generating real-time applications that generate virtual real-time models for transportation systems.  The models utilize captured real-world, real-time data and integrates the information with virtual transportation network mapping, GIS information and supporting transportation models.  Also known as Geo-Immersion, the models provide real-time tools for both the traveler as well as the transportation professional.

Research is also being conducted at a number of levels to address voids or “gaps” in real-time data required for a comprehensive augmentation.  Algorithms are being developed to project, predict and determine real-time transportation characteristics in locations where real-time CCTV imagery or vehicle detection, or other probe data is absent.  The following video from Georgia Tech illustrates several approaches to addressing these real-time data needs.

The potential real-world value for real-time virtual world modeling as transportation planning, research and operations support tools are just being discovered. However, as data coverage continues to rapidly expand, it’s certain that these tools will only gain in accuracy.  Where do you see these tools supporting your day-to-day life, and if you are a transportation professional, do you see these tools playing a major role in your typical job functions?

Update on Augmented Reality Apps for Intelligent Transportation Systems

Posted: July 24, 2011 in Uncategorized
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Augmented reality applications mesh internet resources, location data and user interface technologies to generate enhanced, or “augmented” informational streams over the top of physical, real-world environments.  Vehicle augmented reality technologies can be delivered through a number of various user interfaces, including smart phones, dashboards, and most recently through windshield projections.

In this post I’d like to refine the discussion and take a look at today’s smart phone based applications, and consider the future potential of these types of mobile applications (or lack thereof) and their integration with the vehicle environment.

Early winners in the vehicle augmented reality (AR) apps arena were centered on vehicle mechanics and vehicle maintenance.  These applications provide an informational overlay (static) that is projected over vehicle components, including engine compartments, transmissions other mechanical components.  The overlay provides assistance in identifying parts, assistance with maintenance procedures and in some cases, preliminary equipment assessment and diagnosis.  This form of informational overlay has already proven to be a successful use of the mobile web and the use of smart phone technologies.

Driver assistance AR apps (dynamic) provide a myriad of features related to operating a vehicle within its real-time, real world environment.  These types of apps can provide significant benefits with regards assisting drivers with warning and notifications, as well as providing driver assistance with regards to real-time environment awareness.

Mobile AR apps have also been developed to provide real-time navigational assistance.  The apps provide an overlay detailing the intended route, as well as real-time information regarding local conditions and general localized information.

As anticipated, the use of AR for driver assistance and navigation is proving to be a complex issue.  Many technical and safety experts have debated safety-related concerns regarding the use of these apps while operating a motor vehicle.  The thought of adding another device to the driver’s informational processing requirements will add significantly to potential distractions.  However, some vehicle AR app vendors as well as some technical professionals have countered that the latest generation of these apps has lessened the overall distraction elements, and are even less distracting than normal operations of a motor vehicle, because they alleviate the need to glance at the vehicles dashboard.

Many questions remain regarding the use and format of vehicle AR apps. Will the platform find a long-term home on the smart phone, or will the vehicle ultimately end up integrating these features as standard equipment.  The smart phone market experiences technology upgrades and every 12-18 months.  This allows the mobile market to implement new technology features at a rapid pace. The development of applications based on new technology feature is also occurring at a lightning pace, and draws on a world of application developers.  In contrast, technology enhancements in the auto industry can take significantly longer time.   The best example is the seat belt.  It took the auto industry approximately 10 years to agree on technical specifications for the standard seat belt.   In addition, traditional auto-based software development is relatively slower, and is generated from a much smaller, yet highly focused number of developers.

Update on Cloud-computing and Intelligent Transportation Systems

Posted: July 23, 2011 in Uncategorized
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I originally offered up initial thoughts on “Cloud-Computing and ITS” as part of an article I had prepared back in 2008.  Since then, “the cloud” has made some notable in-roads in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).  As a result, I thought it would be beneficial to review some of the progress made, and industry buy-in that has occurred since the original analysis.

To re-cap, the cloud computing model essentially outsources IT infrastructure, and in some cases ITS applications (Software as a Service, or SAAS), to a third-partys (external to an operating agencies domain).  End-users simply connect to data, information and/or applications, which originally resided on local servers and managed by local applications, via a web interface.

The cloud-computing model significantly reduces upfront capital costs, as well as recurring operations and maintenance costs associated with IT infrastructure, and greatly expedites an agency’s ability to implement new applications and services.  This also allows transportation agencies to focus on transportation, and minimize resources required to operate and manage IT infrastructure, an extremely attractive option in tight economic conditions (such as those we have experienced since 2008).  Another huge advantage to the cloud computing platform is the ability to modify computing resources in real-time.  Cloud computing implements an elastic infrastructure ideal for real-time scaling, providing network and computing capacity on the fly, or enabling “capacity on demand”, also at greatly reduced cost.

Cloud-based applications allow for centralized applications, that can be managed (updated and distributed), from a central location, within a highly resilient and redundant infrastructure. Top tier cloud platforms have implemented multiple layers of redundancy and security, thus providing a more reliable platform than those typically constructed, operated and maintained at the public agency level.  In addition, applications in the cloud can be updated more smoothly and more frequently without having the need to redistribute to each client, or cause disruption to individual customers. Finally, cloud computing is establishing a technology framework that enables the removal of many silos and motes that exist between transportation systems, applications, agencies and and the end-users (travelers).

Although high-end commercial cloud services, such as Amazon’s Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) and Microsoft’s Windows Azure are extremely robust, and in most cases nearly impossible to crash, the vulnerabilities on the local side (end user) remain [Note: Amazon’s EC2 did experience a significant outage on 4/21/2011] .  Loss of internet connection at the user level will preclude access to the data, information, application or supporting infrastructure.  In some cases, the use of a cloud framework lessons the accessibility to data.  Data and information residing in the cloud may be subject to privacy and security concerns, should the cloud provider be vulnerable to outside attacks.

Several transit vendors, most notably those providing CAD/AVL and traveler information services have already begun utilizing the cloud.  Products such as TeloTrack provide real-time, web-based CAD/AVL for transit systems.  Data is directly aggregated by the vendor through a central (cloud-based) application, and accessed by the operating agency via the web.  Cloud computing services have shown to be ideal for transportation systems that are variable in nature, most notably traveler information systems.  During special events, weather events or emergency situations, the platform allows for real-time scaling to deal with user demand spikes.  In some cases there is a public-facing web interface as well, also subject to usage spikes.  The cloud is probably the most ideal vehicle for assisting in the mitigation of system silos surrounding data and information resources.  The cloud can quickly and efficiently implement a centralized data warehouse, free of technological and information-architecture constraints typically encountered during the fusion of data and information from multiple transportation agencies. The cloud framework is an ideal framework for managing data and information exchanges for connected vehicles, however, potential latencies and reliability of network connectivity reduce the overall functionality of this model with regards to connected vehicles.  The framework will be ideal for data collection, aggregation and warehousing, as well as provide a resource for monetization and third-party application development.

Further reading:

Six Questions Every Executive in Infrastructure & Transportation Services Should Ask About Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing for Agent-Based Urban Transportation Systems

The Evolution of Traffic Signal System Software – What’s next?

Posted: July 16, 2011 in Uncategorized
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It’s no secret that traffic signal systems are an essential component to the day-to-day operations of any urban transportation network.  At the core of these systems is the central software, which typically provides centralized command and control functions, including management of communications between signalized intersections, as well as management of signal phasing, signal timing and signal coordination plans.  These applications also often include command and control capabilities to operate and manage ITS technologies such as closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, dynamic message signs (DMS), and vehicle detection systems. Due to the operational importance and magnitude of their direct interface with the traveling puiblic, central applications hold the greatest potential for improvement of operational efficiencies and optimization of existing transportation networks.

Applications currently available provide a wide range of features and options for traffic management agencies.  Most of the current vendors have been in the business for 20 years or more, so their products are well seasoned.  Current centralized applications do a nice job of providing basic command and control of typical traffic signal systems, provided the operating agencies are dedicated to maintaining the fiscal and physical resources required to operate and maintain these systems.  However, during tough economic periods such as these, operating agencies have become increasingly short-staffed and must provide existing operational levels with extremely constrained budgets. In many instances, monitoring and management of central software is given up for responding to operations and maintenance issues in the field, thus increasing the need to further streamline and automate these applications.

One of the shortcomings of central signal system software is their ability to rapidly evolve.  Unfortunately traffic signal system software has historically evolved at a glacial pace, sometimes requiring 10-15 years for significant feature upgrades.   When newer transportation technologies emerge, it is essential that the central applications adapt in order to integrate the new technologies.    

New technologies such as connected vehicles, smart phones and cloud computing will require significant modification to existing software platforms.  With the pending onslaught of “connected devices” on its way, it will be necessary for the traffic signal applications to communicate with other transportation and infrastructure platforms.  New operations models, including the Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) model, will exchange data and information between vehicles and traffic management systems, most notably Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) data. Will “open data” and open-source platforms such as Linux or Android ever be able to make it into the central applications?   Only time will tell.  

The recent emergence of cloud-based architectures also holds potential value for traffic signal systems.  Cloud-based central apps would provide an optimized tool for regional signal system operations, establish a centralized data warehouse open for third party development and lesson the infrastructure and staffing needs associated with operating and maintaining today’s central applications.

Transportation Technology Adoption Life-Cycle and the Innovation Hype-Cycle

Posted: July 10, 2011 in Uncategorized
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In today’s world of rapid innovation and the associated emergence of new technologies capable of supporting the construction and operations of transportation systems, it’s importation that all ITS practitioners keep one eye trained on state-of-the-art technologies and one eyed trained on the technological horizon.    Numerous tools have been generated over the years aimed at assisting technology professional in charting the technology landscape.  Two mainstream models include the Technology Adoption Life-cycle graph and the Hype Cycle graph.

The Technology Adoption life-cycle is a graphical model that represents the social tendencies for the adoption of new technologies. The model was originally developed by Joe M. Bohlen, George M. Beal and Everett M. Rogers at Iowa State University in 1957.  The Hype Cycle, originally developed and characterized by Gartner in 1995, is a graphic representation of the evolution (life-cycle) of technologies and the social adoption rates related to those technologies.  Examples of the hype cycle and innovation life-cycle can be clearly illustrated by the Internet and fiber optics/telecom bubbles of a decade ago.  These technologies ultimately won out, but had to endure an early “busted bubble” before being firmly adopted.

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The ability to accurately map new or potential future technologies to these graphical models enables one to better understand the social characteristics of each technology, and provide tools for generating forecasts for a technology’s likelihood to take root, continue to evolve, or even identify those technologies that are losing steam.

 

A Graphical History of ITS Technologies

Posted: July 9, 2011 in Uncategorized
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Several years ago I started to develop the following graphic in an effort to track the chronological evolution of ITS technologies.  The graphic was helpful in understanding some of the linear relationships associated with each technology, as well as assisting in the illustration of key shifts in the application ITS technology “types”. For example, first generation ITS (or ITS 1.0) saw the leveraging of “one way” technologies.  Around the year 2000 we see the emergence of collaborative or “two-way” communications technologies (or ITS 2.0).  Finally, around 2004 we started to see the emergence of automated vehicle operations and automated inter”active” system operations and system management (or ITS 3.0).  The graphic has also been helpful in attempting to chart the future trends and trajectory of future ITS technologies.  The impact of technologies, represented by the corresponding size of “bubble” is subjective and of course, open to debate.

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Download full graphic at:
ITS_Technology_Timeline_07-09-11

Real-Time Peer-to-Peer Crowdsourcing of Existing Private Transportation Resources

Posted: July 3, 2011 in Uncategorized
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The recent influx of crowdsourcing strategies has made a significant impact in the transportation industry.  Early applications facilitated strategies, tools and services to collect travel time data, share traveler information via peer-to-peer networks and empower citizens to monitor transportation infrastructure and provide real-time reporting functions to the public.

Most recently new applications have emerged that facilitate real-time management of existing private resources that optimize efficiencies associated with personal transportation. New mobile apps such as Park Circa, let citizens lease parking spaces, driveway space, and other personal parking areas to those looking for available parking.  Citizens can register with the app and immediately begin leasing their driveway space or parking spaces during times they are at work, away on vacation or simply away from home for an afternoon.

Private peer-to-peer car sharing apps are also starting to take hold.  Mobile apps such as Relay Rides empower citizens to lease/rent their personal vehicles during times they would normally go unused.  Just like Park Circa, the application allows person-to-person deal-making for sharing of personal vehicles, further optimizing existing private transportation resources.

The real-time management of existing private transportation resources provides a good example of the power of Peer-to-Peer crowd sourcing strategies.  Although it’s clear the transportation community and tech industry has only just begun utilizing these types of strategies for the overall betterment of our transportation systems, the potential leads one to wonder about other potential uses.  Can we apply these strategies to other transportation elements such as peak-hour lane use and commute time management, managed lane use and other demand-management applications?    As with many crowdsourcing approaches, critical mass and public buy-in will be key to the success of the future use of crowdsourcing strategies in the transportation industry.

Transportation and the City as a Platform

Posted: July 2, 2011 in Uncategorized
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The recent proliferation of new data sources generated by the emergence of new sensor and detection technologies such as smart phones, RFID tags, GPS-devices, accelerometers, digital compasses, etc., is opening the door to an exciting new era for the transportation community. Data, after all, is the oxygen and life-source for most of our transportation management systems.  The term “pending data deluge” may at first appear to be a bit dramatic, but from many perspectives, the term represents an accurate depiction and characterization of our rapidly changing industry.

Much has been made of the new Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) information models, but little has been noted regarding the wide array of associated connections also envisioned for the new connected transportation environment.  The most notable new connectivity models associated with transportation include Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P), Pedestrian-to-Pedestrian (P2P), Pedestrian-to-Infrastructure (P2I) and Infrastructure-to-Infrastructure (I2I), all generating new, valuable real-time data streams integral to the success of the next generation of technologies and methodologies dedicated to the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services within the urban environment.  In addition, connecting all of these real-time information nodes to a central resource (Cloud) or X2C, will provide a central data warehouse and platform for the development of a vast array of new tools and services.

So how is the transportation industry preparing to deal with the data-wave just now beginning to materialize before our very eyes?  Will these new connectivity models reside in dedicated silos separated by technology motes and fences, or will the transportation community implement a new architecture that will realize the value of integrating these data resources?.  Our ability to realize the full potential of these new data sets will hinge significantly on our ability to optimize the systems that generate, transmit, collect, aggregate, process, store and manage the data in its entirety, all with an overarching perspective.

The City as a Platform is a new term that represents a significant shift in information management philosophy.  The City will provide the backbone and central nervous system for successfully integrating all of these new data nodes.  The City or the urban environment will be central to the efficient management of all of these new data sources, the connectivity between nodes and the ultimate ability to realize values attainable in these new data resources.  The City Platform is the obvious choice for implementing an open architecture, set policies and govern overarching standards as well as provide the necessary infrastructure required for delivering a unified system.

 

PSFK CONFERENCE NYC 2011: Rachel Sterne from Piers Fawkes on Vimeo.

Further Reading:
Your City as a Platform for Entrepreneurship
http://www.businessinsider.com/your-city-as-a-platform-for-entrepreneurship-2011-8