Requirements Analysis for the System Level Design of Smart Work Zones

The road work zone crash statistical data indicate that there is a clear need for more efficient and effective safety devices and methods in work zones. This paper focuses on developing an initial requirements analysis for smart work zone safety systems. It is anticipated that work zones can benefit from systems that integrate reliable and effective detectors with fast and efficient data dissemination technologies. Such systems can be employed in work zones and generate timely and customized alerts within the vicinity of the area to prevent accidents. The advances in the areas of sensor design, artificial intelligent systems, image analysis tools, low cost mobile computing devices, advanced wireless networks, and web applications can be translated and fused into integrative systems and reliable methods that enable the implementation and operation of safer work zones. A successful requirements analysis constitutes the first step towards building systems that meet the needs of various stakeholders. This paper gives an account of the major requirements that need to be met by effective smart work zones to address the problem of work zone accidents.