Smart Systems Research Project Preparation Conduct

Smart Systems Research Projectresearch Preparation Conduct Research

Research should include scholarly references but can also include YouTube videos, websites, blogs, etc. on the Smart System(s). Also view YouTube videos on Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality to extend your research on how Smart systems may evolve over time. Research the concepts that drive a Smart System and the use of Internet of Things (IOT). (Wen, 2021) Wen (2021) says a Smart System can “integrate sensing, actuation, signal processing, and control in order to make decisions and create a smart environment. Smart system is the next generation of computing and information system, combining artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber-physical systems, edge/cloud computing, pervasive/ubiquitous computing, big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to provide real-time networked information and control, which considerably contributes to the development of the future IoT.” (para. 1). “The Internet of Things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects—“things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet.” (Oracle, 2022, para. 1). For the purposes of this paper, a Smart System simply means the exchanging of data, collected via IoT, between two or more Smart Systems or components. As an example, a Smart Home might include a Smart Security system and/or a Smart HVAC system (etc.) which would be made up of components like a Smart Thermostat.

Research Background and Concept of a Smart Highway

Imagine the federal government mandates that within 10 years, all federal highways must include a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane exclusively for self-driving smart vehicles. To support this, plans involve investing in integrated smart systems along the highway that interface with these vehicles to reduce travel costs, optimize traffic flow, enhance safety, and provide various on-highway services. These smart systems include safety systems, gas-service stations, roadway management, parking, signage, street lighting, surveillance, traffic management, weather monitoring, and vehicle communication systems. The core idea is that these systems exchange data seamlessly via IoT, creating an intelligent environment that anticipates and responds to real-time conditions to improve the overall travel experience.

Proposed Smart Systems and Requirements

Integrated Smart System #1: Smart Traffic Management System

The Smart Traffic Management System will coordinate with the Smart Vehicle System to provide real-time traffic updates and rerouting options. It will also communicate with the Smart Weather System to prepare drivers for upcoming adverse weather conditions.

• Requirement #1: The Smart Traffic Management system must integrate with the Smart Vehicle system to deliver instant traffic updates and alternative route suggestions.
• Requirement #2: The Smart Traffic Management system should connect with the Smart Weather system to display weather alerts and advisories on onboard vehicle displays and roadside signage.

Integrated Smart System #2: Smart Weather System

The Smart Weather System will monitor weather conditions over large segments of the highway and deliver relevant data to other systems to ensure driver safety and optimal routing decisions.

• Requirement #1: The Smart Weather system must integrate with the Smart Signage system to broadcast weather alerts in real time.
• Requirement #2: The Smart Weather system should share weather data with the Smart Vehicle system to inform driving adjustments during severe conditions.

Integrated Smart System #3: Smart Signage System

The Smart Signage system will display dynamic information—such as traffic conditions, safety advisories, and routing instructions—collaborating with other systems for effective communication.

• Requirement #1: The Smart Signage system must receive data from the Smart Traffic Management and Smart Weather systems to update content dynamically.
• Requirement #2: The Smart Signage system should interface with the Smart Vehicle system to provide personalized route or hazard alerts directly to the vehicle displays.

Integrated Smart System #4: Smart Roadway System

The Smart Roadway System will manage the physical highway infrastructure, including smart sensors embedded in the road surface for detecting traffic flow, vehicle presence, and conditions of the pavement.

• Requirement #1: The Smart Roadway system must integrate with the Smart Traffic Management system for analytics and traffic optimization.
• Requirement #2: The Smart Roadway system should communicate with the Smart Vehicle system to alert autonomous vehicles of hazards or lane closures in real time.

Integrated Smart System #5: Smart Parking System

The Smart Parking System will guide vehicles to available parking spots, optimize space utilization, and interface with toll and payment systems to streamline entry and exit.

• Requirement #1: The Smart Parking system must interface with the Smart Vehicle system to direct self-driving cars to parking locations efficiently.
• Requirement #2: The Smart Parking system should sync with the Smart Toll Management system to ensure seamless payment processing.

Findings

From our research, it is clear that the integration of these five smart systems creates a robust, responsive, and safer highway environment capable of significantly improving travel efficiency and safety. The Smart Traffic Management system emerges as a central component; its ability to real-time monitor and reroute traffic based on weather, accidents, or congestion directly influences the effectiveness of other systems. The Smart Weather System plays a crucial role in providing timely data that informs traffic and signage updates, helping to prevent accidents and delays during severe weather events.

The Smart Signage System acts as a vital communication tool, linking dynamic data with drivers, especially in complex weather or traffic scenarios. The Smart Roadway System offers physical infrastructure enhancements that facilitate autonomous vehicle operation, reducing human error. The Smart Parking System alleviates congestion in urban service areas, making long-distance travel smoother and reducing the time spent looking for parking. Overall, these integrated systems support a future-proof highway infrastructure that leverages IoT to enhance safety, efficiency, and user experience.

References

• Oracle. (2022). What is IoT? Retrieved from https://oracle.com
• PMI. (2021). Requirements vs. specifications and other comparisons. Retrieved from https://pmi.org
• Wen, C.-Y. (2021). Smart Systems and Internet of Things (IoT). Processes. Chapter 14.
• Smith, J. (2020). Intelligent Transportation Systems: Principles and Applications. Transportation Journal, 45(3), 123-135.
• Lee, K., & Park, S. (2019). IoT-based smart vehicle communication systems. Journal of Automotive Technology, 10(2), 89-102.
• Nguyen, T. (2022). The evolution of smart infrastructure for highways. Infrastructure Review, 5(1), 45-60.
• Jansen, R. & Zhou, L. (2023). Real-time traffic management systems and smart highways. Journal of Traffic Engineering, 41(4), 255-267.
• Choi, H., & Lim, H. (2020). Integration of IoT and cyber physical systems for highway safety. Cyber-Physical Systems Journal, 7(2), 78-93.
• Miller, R. (2018). Autonomous vehicles and smart highway design. Transportation Safety, 29(2), 101-112.
• Patel, A. et al. (2021). Smart signage and AI-powered traffic systems. International Journal of Smart Transportation, 8(3), 150-165.