Project Abstract
An automated system to track missing stop signs or other important warning signs (such as those related to containment areas or hazardous materials) removed by either perpetrators or due to severe weather conditions (hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, etc.) can be highly beneficial for transportation agencies. Such real-time monitoring of road and warning signs can significantly contribute to the overall safety of transportation and other utilities and save money and maintenance time by eliminating the need for visual inspection. The goals of this project are:
1. Develop a sensor-based (e.g., use of MEMS magnetic compass and an accelerometer to detect the rotation of the stop sign and the static tilt of the sign) tracking/monitoring prototype system that locates the whereabouts of critical warning/stop sign or damage sustained by a warning sign.
2. Develop a prototype wireless communications system in relation to goal #1 to communicate that information back to a central location (e.g., the Department of Transportation office)
Design constraints include delivering energy/power for the developed prototype, especially in remote locations, robust packaging to function in harsh environments, RFID signal interference with metal, etc.
1. Develop a sensor-based (e.g., use of MEMS magnetic compass and an accelerometer to detect the rotation of the stop sign and the static tilt of the sign) tracking/monitoring prototype system that locates the whereabouts of critical warning/stop sign or damage sustained by a warning sign.
2. Develop a prototype wireless communications system in relation to goal #1 to communicate that information back to a central location (e.g., the Department of Transportation office)
Design constraints include delivering energy/power for the developed prototype, especially in remote locations, robust packaging to function in harsh environments, RFID signal interference with metal, etc.