7 . Commuting to and from work can be a nightmare. Cars advance slowly in stop and go traffic, crawling from one traffic jam at stoplights to the next. At peak rush hour especially, there is no chance of sailing through a series of green lights. Now, thanks to artificial intelligence, German researchers have found a way to reduce time spent at the crossroads.
Called the KI4LSA project and funded by the Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, the innovation is being tested. Scientists first studied algorithms taken from a busy intersection to learn about traffic patterns and where improvements were most needed. Then, the technology, using high-resolution cameras and radar sensors, more precisely captured the actual traffic situation and detected the average speed of the cars and their waiting times. Finally, the AI uses deep enhanced learning algorithms to calculate the best switching behaviour for the traffic lights and determine the best phase sequence to shorten waiting times at the crossroads.
The results are encouraging when it is being tried out at a busy intersection in Lemgo, Germany. The intelligent lights are said to improve traffic flow by 10 to 15 percent, which results in money saved; the EU estimates that traffic jams create economic damage that adds up to 100 billion euros a year. Aside from reducing commuting time, these traffic lights will reduce noise and CO2 emissions from cars waiting at the crossroads.
Another exciting development in this research is the K14PED project, which studies pedestrians crossing the crossroads. Using AI as well as a 3D points cloud, researchers can identify how many people are waiting at a pedestrian crossing and whether some of the disabled or elder people will need extra time to cross the street. Such a needs-based system could reduce pedestrian waiting time by 30 percent, which could then decrease jaywalking (乱穿马路) by 25 percent.
Researchers are optimistic that it will be adopted by many countries after the tests in the German towns of Lemgo and Bielefeld. This technology is exciting news for pedestrians and drivers alike. It encourages safety, protects the environment, and may even give you more time to enjoy your morning coffee before heading off to work!
1. Why is AI used in the KI4LSA project?
| A．To study traffic algorithms to control CO2 emissions. |
| B．To detect road conditions to reduce jam or speeding. |
| C．To remind people to pass in sequence for a shorter wait. |
| D．To adjust traffic signals to ensure efficiency at the crossroads. |
2. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
| A．The intelligent lights serve the mere purpose of reducing commuting time. |
| B．The better traffic flow is improved, the less economic damage is caused. |
| C．The more cars are waiting at the crossroads, the more noise is reduced. |
| D．The effect of traffic jams is heavier on environment than on economy. |
3. What is the function of K14PED project?
| A．It monitors traffic conditions at intersections. |
| B．It helps to estimate the number of jaywalkers. |
| C．It ensures flexible crossing time for pedestrians. |
| D．It improves the speed of vehicles on busy roads. |
4. What is the main idea of this passage?
| A．The intelligent lights offer a blessing to transportation. |
| B．The AI technology is bound to be a promising industry. |
| C．Attentive traffic service lends a helping hand to seniors. |
| D．Digital traffic systems mark the beginning of smart cities. |
