A novel technique for optimal vehicle routing

This paper proposes a novel approach in finding an optimal solution for vehicle routing. The intention here is to find the shortest time path between different points. Dijkstra's algorithm is a very popular technique used in communication networks for data routing and in path planning of robots. Normally the implementation of Dijkstra's algorithm involves initialization of weights depending upon a particular cost metric, namely, distance. Based on an analysis of these weights, a choice of right path is made. This conventional approach states that the shortest path will take minimum time to travel. However this may not always be true. Even depending on the traffic conditions prevailing at that particular instant, the time taken may vary. The proposed work takes into consideration the traffic density in a particular path which influences the time taken for travel and then suggests an optimal path. The results are validated using concepts of Object Oriented Programming and tested in a hardware environment using PIC16F877a micro controller.