Scientists from the Belarusian-Russian University (Mogilev) have developed an electronic guide for public transport based on GPS and GLONAS technologies. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the project's scientific supervisor, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics at the educational institution, Fyodor Trukhachev.
Scientists from the Belarusian-Russian University (Mogilev) have developed an electronic guide for public transport based on GPS and GLONAS technologies. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by the project's scientific supervisor, Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics at the educational institution, Fyodor Trukhachev.
This is a combination of information screens, mobile applications, and software that allows for the automatic transmission of visual and audio information. It facilitates and simplifies the driver's work, as the process of transmitting information about bus stops is automated, and it provides passengers with the opportunity to see and track the vehicle's route, and learn about objects located along the way.
"The idea of creating an electronic guide emerged in anticipation of the Ice Hockey World Championship in Belarus, so that tourists could get acquainted with the city, its history, and landmark objects while travelling on public transport, plan their routes better, and make rational use of their time in the country. It took just over two years to bring the idea to fruition, but it has not lost its relevance. The electronic guide is designed to help develop tourism infrastructure, enhance the level of informatization and the image of Belarusian cities, and for public transport, it is also a modern advertising platform with a potentially wide audience," the scientist noted.
A new system has been installed and is undergoing test trials on trolleybus No. 77, which runs on route No. 2, covering almost the entire city. It consists of a tablet and an information screen. The tablet is located with the driver, and the screen is in the passenger compartment of the trolleybus. The driver simply needs to turn on the tablet and select the route. The system will automatically orient itself in space and transmit a visual display to the screen. The screen shows the route as a line with stops (points). A red dot indicates the current stop, and a blinking red dot indicates the next stop. Information is transmitted to the screen via Wi-Fi from the main unit. The software automatically determines the location of the trolleybus (or bus) using GPS data and visually highlights the current and next stops.
Directly at the stops, the name of the stop is displayed on the screen in large font (in several languages). On the stretches between stops, video information about cultural and architectural sites located near the route stops can be displayed on the screen, as well as information about hotels, sports facilities, railway stations, etc. Additionally, advertising information (shops, cafes, restaurants) can be shown in relation to the location and time. For example, on trolleybus route No. 2, the weekly poster of the Mogilev Regional Drama Theatre, as well as weather forecasts and currency exchange rates, are displayed on the screen.
Sound is transmitted via the FM band and can be heard by connecting headphones to almost any mobile phone with a built-in FM receiver.
"Information about the location of each vehicle can be transmitted to the dispatch center at the depot in real-time via the internet. It is also possible to transmit this information to users' smartphones. Furthermore, the system automatically collects information about the traffic situation in the city based on average speed, which can be useful for emergency services," said Fyodor Trukhachev.
The development by the Mogilev residents has attracted interest not only in Mogilev; there are proposals for cooperation on its implementation in other cities of the country, as well as in neighboring countries.
News of Belarus (BELTA)