Safety critical software systems such as those that control nir navigntion nre subject to very high standards of quality. They need to explicitly provide system requirements nnd make sure there nre enough test cases that nssure an acceptable level of quality, per requirement. However, with the current fnst pace ofsollworo development, sometimes the program and tests are solid but the requirement documents get outdated. It is also possible thnt tho requirement documents are up-to-date, but the tests nre incomplete.
Smart autonomous vehicles have now become a reality while the efforts are ongoing to improve the safety, security, efficiency, and performance. In the fast paced digital world, all devices including the vehicles generate a huge amount of data every second which has to be analyzed, stored, and communicated with other devices to reach the next technology milestone. Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), and Vehicle-to-Device (V2D) communication protocols enable such communications for the smart connected vehicles.
Various forms of usability testing can be used to optimize interface design and maximize human-computer interaction principles . A well-integrated, intuitive interface has the capacity to improve human efficiency, mitigate errors or lapses and improve situational awareness. Usability methodologies such as heuristic evaluations and cognitive walkthroughs can be performed at any point in the design process to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, in-field usability testing with users of the technology can further pinpoint inadequacies in software or hardware design.
The number and size of commercial ships transporting goods to and from ports in the Salish Sea continues to grow. Additionally, there are considerable industrial developments being planned in the region, including a major port expansion, and an oil pipeline terminal under consideration. These trends suggest more ship traffic, and with this comes an increase to cetaceans in the risk these vessels pose for collisions.
In Canada there are just over 17,000 public rail crossings—17% have gates, 22% just have bells and lights, and the remaining 61% have a white, reflective X crossing sign which at times is accompanied by a stop sign. In the U.S., the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) latest figures (2009) indicate there are 136,041 public rail crossings—31% have gates, 16% have flashing lights and 1% have highway traffic signals, wigwags and bells. The remaining 52% have a yellow and black crossbuck. Unsecured rail crossings, combined with distracted drivers, can lead to fatal accidents.
This study aims to validate whether a new pneumatic massage system has a physical benefit to drivers. Using two seating conditions (massage and no massage), this study will examine the effects during a one-hour simulated seating task for each condition on separate days. The researchers will measure participant discomfort, low back muscle blood flow/oxygenation, heart rate, and blood pressure. Data for these measures will be collected and analyzed in order to determine if a relationship exists between seating condition and any other variable.
FedEx Supply Chain, the 3PL provider for the Canadian Tire distribution centre located at Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec intends to improve its delivery performance to its customers’ retail stores, especially during the high-volume periods of the year. The focus is on improving the throughput of the conveyor system, as it is considered to be a critical part of the outbound process. This applied research project targets to develop a simulation model to identify bottlenecks and to predict the effects of different control levers that may be used to optimize the conveyor throughput.
A key factor to deliver reliable intelligent vehicles is the proper exploitation of data gathered from the different sensors equipping the vehicle. To do so, a data fusion algorithm is applied. However, the reliability of the sensors can change (for example due to weather conditions), therefore, a solution to evaluate the quality of the data gathered from each sensor must be investigated, to automatically adapt the data fusion algorithm and avoid the use of less reliable sensors or credible data or information these sensors provide directly or they derive through processing techniques.
In the transportation industry customer satisfaction, driver retention and profitability are some of the most critical factors in company success. As regulatory environments change, and competition grows Contrans Corp., a flatbed freight company, is seeking to develop a user-friendly application that allows team members to rapidly and accurately determine an optimal dispatch schedule for the fleet.
The proposed research investigates an opportunity of developing renewable bio-based diesel fuel as an alternative to petroleum based fuel to lower the emission of greenhouse gases. High temperature pyrolysis of wood chips will be investigated in multi-stage pyrolysis and fluidized bed system and the quality of liquid oil will be compared for diesel substitution.
