Sensor and network technology for intelligent transportation systems

The current state of the art advancements in sensors, computation, and wireless communication technologies has made possible a vast range of emerging applications in large number of fields such as in civil and military transportation systems, personal communications, health care, industrial automation, smart grids, smart homes, etc. Even though the automobile does not seem to have changed much its mechanical image since its first introduction, the industry is currently adapting itself in response to the information technology revolution. Thus, today it is not uncommon to see GPS assisted navigation systems, driver assist technology for parallel parking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Technology is also making way into the transportation infrastructure such as in electronic toll collection, traffic monitoring, accident alert systems, etc. This paper reviews the current state of the technology deployed to support intelligent transportation systems and looks into the potential of wireless sensor network technology with the aim to reduce cost and power consumption, while at the same time enhancing flexibility as well as efficiency of service.