The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs, examines a smart phone application designed to help reduce expensive paratransit trips; a laser-based system that can measure the shape, position, and dimension of bridge members; a prototype sensing platform that can detect driver drowsiness without physical contact; audio cues to help truck drivers stay alert; and more. Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs ...

The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs, examines the automated computer-controlled image analysis systems and the asphalt binder cracking device that took the IDEA path to becoming American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials specifications, an innovative signal head vibration absorber, the transit data feeder, and more. Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs provide start-up fu...

The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis programs, examines converting bus service data to near real-time information that transit system operators and passengers can use to make decisions, membership-based casual carpooling as a means to promote carsharing and transit use, the Independent Transportation Network, and more. Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs provide start-up funding for promising but unproven innov...

The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Studies and Special Programs Division, examines a new tool that detects and recognizes street signs as a potential way to dramatically reduce the time and effort related to developing sign inventories.  The issue also explores a continuous on-board wheel monitoring system for railroad applications; a nondestructive and noncontact method of measuring rail neutral temperature and longitudinal stress; and a new system for aisle-side...

The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Studies and Special Programs Division, examines new tools that monitor structural integrity and detect damage concealed by fiber-reinforced polymer wrapping; a quick, precise, and nondestructive technique for detecting chlorides; an improved diagnostic system for S-cam foundation air brakes used on trucks and buses; a mobile phone navigation software for special needs public transportation riders; and more. Innovations Deserving Explorator...

The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Studies and Special Programs Division, examines the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) technology in the transit bus environment to kill bacteria and germs, explores the application of time domain reflectometry (TDR) to measure a variety of properties related to the performance of fresh and early-stage concrete, and highlights the virtual construction of bridge components.  This issue of Ignition also investigates a por...

The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Studies and Special Programs Division, examines three projects designed to make rail waysides and grade crossings safer, as well as machine-vision technology to automate rail care inspection, predicting and preventing rockfall, train location information for emergency responders, and technology for rail/wheel adhesion, and more. Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs provide start-up funding for promising but unproven ...

The latest issue of Ignition, a periodic news magazine from TRB's Studies and Special Programs Division, examines the comments of IDEA committee members on how the program contributes to the nation’s economic vitality, a driver alertness indication system, the Dynamic Timetable Generator for transit agencies, a system for controlling construction quality and evaluating the performance of pavement systems, a layered drainage system that drains the water from the subgrade or the base layer of paveme...

The latest issue of Ignition, a quarterly news magazine from TRB's Special Programs Division, examines innovations sponsored by the IDEA program on keeping seniors independent after they stop driving, sensors for highway-rail grade crossings, a non-nuclear way to test soil compaction, the application of stereovision techniques to collecting and analyzing pavement data at driving speeds, and non-destructive evaluation of grout in ducts in post-tensioned bridges. Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis...

The latest issue of Ignition, a quarterly news magazine from TRB's Special Programs Division, examines innovations sponsored by the IDEA program on electric motor technology for railroad locomotives, a formula for reinforcing steel, railroad at grade crossing safety, low-temperature limits of asphalt binders, and video and data recorders for vehicles.  In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Interstate System, this issue also explores highway research needs for the next 50 years. Innovations ...