Hermes

Inspiration

I was thinking about all the uses for a large traffic database when I figured that there must be a difference between traffic caused by accidents and non-accidents. I remember using TensorFlow for another project I did, and figured that an AI would be perfect for predicting based on data like this.

What it does

In a perfect world, my program would take live data from the INRIX API, then extract the positions of the sections to build an array of speeds. This array would be scanned to find the beginning of traffic jams, then that part would run through my AI to determine if that pattern is enough like an accident to send for help.

Unfortunately, things did not go to plan. After being introduced to a group, it looked like smooth sailing while we were in the lecture hall, but after a while, I was told that they didn't want to partake in the hackathon anymore, so I was on my own. I had to cut what I could do and ended up with a couple of incomplete files, and a video explaining how it all should work.

How I built it

I started off writing a TensorFlow AI in pycharm, but after finding out that I would be alone, I went back to the lecture hall to ask for help with the API. The trip back was super helpful but I couldn't focus, so getting to my dorm, it was a mad scramble to try and patch together working parts in this complicated machine. Then I recorded a video to explain what my project was about.

Challenges I ran into

I had issues with a lot of things, but on a more technical side, this was my first time using an API. I wish I went to the API training held that morning. Originally, I wasn't going to access the API

I felt trapped by circumstance, I didn't want to give up I wanted to keep working on this project. I felt pressured into giving up like everyone else, but I didn't give up, and I gave the whole thing my best shot.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I am happy that I didn't quit, even if I didn't make what I want. I like how I edited the video, I thought it turned out ok.

What I learned

I learned so much in this short time, Cracking back open python and TensorFlow was an amazing refresher from the CPP in class. APIs are really interesting and this is just the tip of the iceberg. I also, unfortunately, learned a less optimistic lesson about people I could work with. There wasn't any authority to hold them to do this and so they left... That was mood-killing.

What's next for Hermes

The 24-hour time limit really pushes you to code fast and break your limits. However, I would love more time to fully flesh out my project. I know I can get it working, but a little bit of sleep would help.

Built With

• inrixapi
• python
• tenserflow