Bus Tracker Inter-Professional Project (IPRO)
Students:
Mike Conroy, MTO
Stuart Quel, EE
Jun Lee, CS
Bhavesh Ayer, EE
Hojoon Suh, EE
Hochung Nam, CS
Jason Fessel, EE
See-Ming Yim, EE
Kevin Ruettiger, CS
Adam Gardner, EE
Chris Cais, CS
Hosun Yoo, CS
Jorge Plana, MTM
Bumchun (Brian) Kim, CE
Faculty:
Dr. Jerry Field Adjunct Professor of Manufacturing Technology and Management
Will Maurer Adjunct Professor of Manufacturing Technology and Management
Objective:
The objective of the Bus Tracker IPRO (Inter-Professional Projects) is categorized into three groups: refine the research on the possible competitors; continue developing the prototype and launch a pilot program; and create a business plan.
Project:
Under the leadership of Will Maurer, this IPRO team innovated a successful method to track and report the location of buses. By installing a transmitter that uses a FM signal (the same signal used by an FM radio), the bus location is tracked, allowing the bus company and bus rider to know its location at all times.
As part of its business plan, the group targeted a bus tracker device price of $30 per unit for a bus and $50 for a receiving unit for the end user or bus rider. Monthly service fees would also apply. The price is reasonable and a great value for the convenience it brings to the bus-company and rider.
The benefits of this project are numerous; on cold winter days bus riders no longer have to stand at a bus stop waiting, but can instead use a website, cell phone or PDA to check the exact location of the bus.
The project has great market potential with likely use in public transportation, school buses and their riders.
Spring 2003 IPRO Recognition Awards for Exceptional Team Performance