[Grants] Application for a Linux Australia Grant

[Manuel Diaz]

Hi Jonathan,


Thank you for your feedback regarding the application for grant that we submitted to Linux Australia. To provide context, Ronald and myself have embarked on the project which we called The Wait Advisor. It is a system that collects data on wait times in the trucking industry with a view to expose these delays in the supply chain so things can be improved. Our aim is to reduce or eliminate these delays, because long waits correlate to driver fatigue. According to a 2013 study conducted by Ann Williamson and Rena Friswell at the University of New South Wales published in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, drivers required to wait in queues experienced fatigue more. There are around 200,000 truck drivers in Australia, which gives an indication of up to how many people are impacted by the issue. Put them on the road, considering that driver fatigue is a leading cause of vehicular crashes, tells us that this issue needs to be addressed. If we are able to save the life or limb of at least one, it is something worthwhile to do.


As you have described, the system consists of two components: the data collection part (which will require the development of the mobile app) and the data processing part (which will be the handling of data). We have applied for the grant to cover the development of the data collection part, but the development being considered consists of both components. Initially, we were planning to develop the full system ourselves (both components as open source). There used to be four of us in the team, but two have since moved on. The situation left us less able, so we looked at outsourcing some of the work. It is a choice then between the data collection component (the mobile apps) or the data processing component (data visualization and presentation). We have started work on the Android aspect of the mobile app as well as the preliminary work for the data visualization. Considering the complexity involved in the work, we deemed it best to outsource the app development because it would be less of a risk-- the business logic and implementation required is straightforward. We will then continue with the work already started in the data visualization component. Please note that both components will be open source.


So to answer your first question, is it a fair summary to say that the development being considered is focused on the data collection side while the handling of that data and any solution that might come from it is separate, it depends on what you meant by "being considered"-- The project is a full system, one component will not work without the other. We are building both. To build them, we need funding. We have tried, up until this point, to finance the project out of our own pockets, but it has put a strain on the family finances. Hence, we looked for funding in the form of a grant. As discussed above, the easiest to outsource was the development of the mobile apps, so we have decided to propose to use whatever assistance we will get to that piece of work. Aware that most grants would require whatever is given to be matched, our proposal indicated the costs divided between the two apps that need to be developed, the remaining costs to be covered by ourselves.


As to your second question, let me first clarify. While it is true that the grant funding as proposed is being directed to app development which will be done off-shore, it does not mean that the immediate beneficiary of the grant funds will be overseas developers. The immediate beneficiary of the funds will be us, the proponents, because we will then be able to channel our available personal funds to the development of the core system. Paying someone from overseas (or even domestically within Australia) is not a benefit to them, because it would be fair payment for work or services rendered. The benefit is to us, because then we are able to have the work done and we are able to manage our cash flow better.


How will the awarding of the grant benefit the Open Source community in Australia which Linux Australia represents?


By awarding the grant, the open source community in Australia will benefit in at least two several areas:


In the technical area, Linux Australia is making it possible not just for open source production-grade app for iOS and Android to be available, but also for a full system of data collection and visualization to be out there in the open for anyone to use, build on, develop or improve. If there is already such a system or anything similar out in the open source community in Australia or elsewhere, it does not negate the fact that this is one which is poised to be in actual use and is specific to a particular industry addressing an often overlooked issue. Because there is an existing Linux distro does not mean that the open source community should no longer develop or support other distributions. In a similar vein, because there is already a repository of open source Android apps, it does not mean that all other Android apps should no longer be accepted or supported by the open source community, unless of course if the app is a replica of what already exists, and this project is definitely not that type. In addition, the source code availability of an IOS implementation for an Android app is something that is very useful for those who are learning the intricacies of development in both platforms.

In the non-technical area of social responsibility, Linux Australia is making it possible for an often glossed upon issue in the trucking industry to be exposed, looked at, talked about, and hopefully actioned by stakeholders. The loss of life or limb caused by vehicular accident in Australian roads can be prevented in most cases-- data has shown that fatigue is a leading cause of crashes where heavy vehicles appear to be over-represented. Fatigue is a complex issue, and most current solutions address detection and warning. This project is thinking out of the box and approaches fatigue from a different angle, but which has the potential to directly, significantly and profoundly impact the lives of 200,000 truck drivers in Australia. Indirectly, it can potentially spell the difference between being able to go home at the end of the day safe or otherwise, for you and me and everyone using Australian roads. How many projects have Linux Australia funded that has this potential?

Finally, if the use of grant money to pay part of the development work overseas is an issue, we hope that the Council will allow for a revision of the cost items in the proposal because in the end, we are asking for the grant to help us fund a project which actually requires more financial resources.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Manuel Diaz
Team Lead, The Wait Advisor Project


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