Journal 1 , July 13, 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/12/business/12newpark.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin

Dennis Whitfield
LBST 2113
July 13, 2008

Can’t Find a Parking Space? Check Smartphone
By. John Markoff

Advancement in technology will be tested in San Francisco this coming fall. A device that would help you locate a parking space in the city on a cell phone. In the fall 6,000 of its 24,000 metered parking spaces will be equipped with a wireless sensor network that will know which spaces are occupied or available. The Driver will be notified of an empty parking space by either displays on street signs or maps on their smart phone.

One of the reasons why the city is trying to solve the problem with parking is because an 19 year old was stabbed to death during a fight over a parking space. The city thinks that if the test is successful then there would be no one else would be killed over a parking space. The planners also think that it would help prevent congestion in business districts, since most people spend time circling the blocks trying to find a parking space. The product could also allow the city to be more flexible with parking times, having a shorter time frame during the day and a longer time period at night. Having a longer period at night would allow more people to visit the restaurants in the area.

The device would give the city up to date information on whether a parking space is occupied or vacant. The sensors will also be able to relay to the city of congestion in the area and the speed of traffic flow in that area. The heart of the sensor is a 4 inch by 4 inch piece of plastic glued to the pavement. The device is called a “bump” and is battery operated intended to last for five to ten years. San Francisco has decided to use a more ambitious sensor that would be able to provide more information. It would be able to monitor air quality, deploy noise sensors that can distinguish between car crash and gun shot.

I personally think that this is another great advancement in technology. For anyone who has had to go to court, to a lawyer, a doctor’s office, or anything dealing with a downtown area finding a parking space can be time consuming. With the emergence of the smart phone and GPS technologies have added another great feature. Also since the device can determine traffic flow, you can tell which street to avoid and which one to use.

Being able to determine air quality is another great option, especially in counter terrorism if there was a case of a biological attack. The noise sensors would also be helpful to automatically know when to send out emergency personnel. When the sensor determines that there was a car crash, the city would know, and could send out a signal to tell other drivers to avoid that particular intersection or street. Likewise if there was a gunshot, the proper persons would be automatically notified.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/12/business/12newpark.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin