Real-Time Augmented Reality Mobile App to Find Vehicles in a Crowded Parking Lot

Project Sponsor

  • Varun Adibhatla, Head of Data Science and Analytics, NYCSBUS
  • Holly Orr, Chief Information Officer, NYCSBUS
  • Cristopher Soto, Data Engineer, NYCSBUS  

Abstract

NYCSBUS operates a fleet of 1,000 vehicles across 5 yards. A yard can have 250 vehicles at a time.
“morning pull outs” from the yard are a crucial time to ensure on time service.
While each vehicle is equipped with a GPS device, the act of finding a bus in a crowded yard can be daunting.
Our staff need to be able to identify buses quickly to ensure smoother morning pull outs.
An augmented reality mobile app that integrates with our telematics API would allow staff to quickly point a camera and search for a vehicle with minimal input.

Category: Urban Infrastructure

Project Description & Overview

NYCSBUS operates a fleet of 1,000 vehicles across 5 yards. A yard can have 250 vehicles at a time. “Morning pull outs” from the yard are a crucial time to ensure on time service.
While each vehicle is equipped with a GPS device, the act of finding a bus in a crowded yard can be daunting.
Our staff need to be able to identify buses quickly to ensure smoother morning pull outs.
An augmented reality mobile app that integrates with our telematics API would allow staff to quickly point a camera and search for a vehicle with minimal input.

The ability to quickly identify vehicles in a crowded yard can also help maintenance staff better organize vehicles in the yard and improve their maintenance.

Datasets

None | Students may use publicly available MTA APIs to test their application.

Competencies

Augmented Reality Toolkit for iOS / Android
Mobile app development
Basic understanding of connecting to an API
Basic understanding of location data

Learning Outcomes & Deliverables

A functional mobile application that helps NYCSBUS staff to locate buses in real-time via augmented reality or similar features.