Ignition Magazine: News from TRB's IDEA Programs – Fall/Winter 2012

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 provide start-up funding for promising but unproven innovations in surface transportation systems. The programs’ goal is to foster ingenious solutions that are unlikely to be funded through traditional programs. Managed by the Transportation Research Board, IDEA programs are supported by the member state departments of transportation of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Federal Railroad Administration.