Microsoft reveals traffic jams avoiding tool
Microsoft on Thursday plans to introduce a Web-based service for driving directions that incorporates complex software models to help users avoid traffic jams. The new service’s software technology, called Clearflow, was developed over the last five years by a group of artificial-intelligence researchers at the company’s Microsoft Research laboratories. It is an ambitious attempt to apply machine-learning techniques to the problem of traffic congestion. The system is intended to reflect the complex traffic interactions that occur as traffic backs up on freeways and spills over onto city streets.
The Clearflow system will be freely available as part of the company’s Live.com site (maps.live.com) for 72 cities in the United States. Microsoft says it will give drivers alternative route information that is more accurate and attuned to current traffic patterns on both freeways and side streets. The new service will on occasion plan routes that might not be intuitive to a driver. For example, in some cases Clearflow will compute that a trip will be faster if a driver stays on a crowded highway, rather than taking a detour, because side streets are even more backed up by cars that have fled the original traffic jam. The new service is part of Microsoft’s efforts to catch up with Google, by offering an attractive array of related services surrounding its Live search service.
Source: NY Times
Comments(14)
Still trying to outdo Google ….good luck..
So this is what Microsoft spend all their time doing
So Microsoft could begin controlling the traffic at busy intersections… gives a whole new meaning to “blue screen of DEATH.”
Here’s something to ponder: If everyone avoids traffic jams, then won’t that eliminate them all together? Humm
Vehicle GPS units have had this capability for years, even my cheap arse one. Nothing new.
for those that have watched the Sarah connor chronicles…. does this remind you of something?…..
#4 no because it is easy to observe. When new highways and roads are made in congested areas they fill up too! So there is never enough roads. All this means is the traffic goes some other routes, but they will just jam those up instead!
#6 you just blew my mind
God, please do not allow MS to do that. Otherwise we’ll all be doomed.
Just imagine continuous unexpected software updates, service packs, BSODs, security holes etc etc.
PLEASE!
@6: LOL! Not only that Microsoft is also researching a NEW OS called “Singularity”
its all coming together like sarah conner said.
is this the begining of the end??? learning machines… end of days is coming.
Like Micro$oft got nothing else to worry bout. What idiots. I can just see a nazi GPS unit using the micro$oft technology going:
GPS: “Please turn left at the next intersection.”
You: “…But this is a dead end.”
GPS: “DO IT!!!”
Now if they (M$) could only manage the traffic slowdowns in thier software, they might have something.
@4 mikeovic
Nice one ^_^