Back in 2015, the U of R conducted research on similarities between global positioning system (GPS) algorithms and how the human brain works as it relates to cognitive sciences.
The study’s main theory is that human brains utilize the “Kalman filter” when keeping track of an objects position while it is in motion. The Kalman filter helps the brain process less than perfect visual signals. An instance of this is when an object changes positioning to the periphery of a low acuity visual field.
From researchers at the University of Rochester:
“Our brains track moving objects by applying one of the algorithms your phone’s GPS uses, This same algorithm also explains why we are fooled by several motion-related optical illusions, including the sudden ‘break’ of baseball’s well known ‘curveball illusion.'”
Enter GPS tracking. Even though the accuracy of GPS is limited, it is still a useful tool for navigation purposes. When there is interference with the signal (cross signals, etc) it becomes unstable and not reliable. This is when GPS switches to using algorithms, including the Kalman filter, to estimate the location of your car based on its past position and speed rather relying on a constant signal.
GPS’s limitations is similar to the limitations of the human eye ability.
“Like GPS, our visual ability, although quite impressive, has many limitations. This study shows that the solutions that the brain finds for dealing with imperfect information often match optimal solutions that engineers have come up with for similar problems, like your phone’s GPS.” said the study’s coauthor, Duje Tadin, associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester.
The University of Rochester has found value in GPS vehicle tracking in there past by using GPS fleet management systems for their student shuttles.
Frank DeCiantis, owner and operator of Rochester Smart Student Housing as well as DeCiantis Properties LLC, has found U of R’s use of GPS the right move:
“Students in my housing facilities have often been late to classes through no fault of their own. Late shuttle bus drivers are often to blame but no more since the U of R started using GPS tracking for their vehicles.”
It’s quite clear that between academic research and the vehicle tracking management, the usability factor for GPS at the U of R has been high.
