Characterizing road segments using compass sensors to predict approaching bus stops

Abstract

We devise an inexpensive and intuitive system for bus route navigation for locales where public transportation may serve as a prevalent mode of commute but where technologies that make arrival predictions through tracking vehicles in transit through GPS or other means do not exist. These systems typically require real-time monitoring of traffic variations. We provide a personalized approach where in a world of pervasive smart phone use, users may take advantage of sensor data to learn and personalize their bus routes, and alert them on time when a bus stop is approaching. We accomplish this through the development and implementation of two algorithms: 1) turn detection using on-board compass sensor of a smart phone, and 2) characterizing road segments in terms of turns and thereby predicting approaching bus stops. We conduct field experiments on a route with four selected bus stops in the town of Chapel Hill. Results show that the accuracy of turn detection and detection of approaching bus stops are 95.7% and 83%, respectively.