Development of a Sensing Methodology for Intelligent and Reliable Work-Zone Hazard Awareness

This Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) project proposes a vision-based work zone hazard awareness methodology to intelligently and reliably detect intruding vehicles and missing control devices in work zones, so early warnings can be activated to avoid safety hazards for workers and drivers. Two vision-based algorithms that detect intruding vehicles and missing traffic control devices have been developed in the proposed methodology. These two algorithms will serve as the core for developing an integrated, intelligent work zone hazard awareness and warning system. To the best of the author's knowledge, there is no publication on developing vision-based work zone intruding vehicle and missing traffic control device detection algorithms. In this study, reliable intruding vehicle and missing traffic control device awareness algorithms have been developed to address the unique technical challenges, including vehicle occlusions, changing lighting conditions, etc., when applying vision technology in work zones. The proposed algorithms have been tested using a simulated work zone on Georgia Tech's Savannah campus. The tests have demonstrated that intruding vehicles and missing cones can be reliably detected, and the developed work zone hazard awareness algorithms are promising. The accuracy and reliability of these vision-based algorithms can be further refined with additional testing. In addition, a 30-ft mobile work zone traffic data collection and monitoring tower, equipped with multiple cameras, has been developed and successfully implemented in this project to collect actual traffic data in a work zone on I-95 near Savannah, Georgia. Different drivers' merge behaviors from different roadway geometrics, such as curved or straight roads, have also been studied.

• Record URL:
  • http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/IDEA/FinalReports/Highway/NCHRP139_Final_Report.pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This NCHRP-IDEA investigation was conducted by Georgia Institute of Technology. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Tsai, Yichang
• Publication Date: 2011-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 38p
• Serial:
  • NCHRP-IDEA Program Project Final Report
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Algorithms; Data collection; Detection and identification; Intelligent transportation systems; Merging traffic; Technological innovations; Warning systems; Work zone safety; Work zone traffic control
• Identifier Terms: Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) (Program)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Vision based sensing systems
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors; I60: Maintenance; I73: Traffic Control; I85: Safety Devices used in Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01373098
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Highway IDEA Project 139
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Jun 19 2012 8:02AM