AUTOMATED MOBILE HIGHWAY SIGN RETRO-REFLECTIVITY MEASUREMENT

This proposal asks for funding to prove the concept of using digital video image analysis to measure highway sign retrofit-reflectivity and to use the same analysis for classification of the signs. The system will use real time image analysis of night images of roadway signs acquired on a mobile platform moving at highway speeds, illuminated by normal vehicle head lamps. This arrangement is the closest possible scenario to the actual design use of retro-reflective signs, which is to provide visual warnings for drivers driving at highway speeds at night, where the signs are being illuminated by vehicle headlamps. This approach is better than current technologies. These consist of hand-held measurement devices that are not capable of analyzing large numbers of signs, nor of measuring average values over physical extend of a sign. This approach will also have significant advantages over an FHWA mobile measurement device under development, which requires a laser range finder.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Missouri, Rolla

  Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies
  1870 Miner Circle Drive
  Rolla, MO  United States  65409

  Research and Special Programs Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Maerz, N
  • Niu, Q
• Publication Date: 2002-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 35 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Digital video; Headlamps; Image analysis; Measurement; Night; Proposals; Real time information; Retroreflectivity; Testing; Traffic signs; Traffic speed; Visibility
• Uncontrolled Terms: Mobile platforms
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Research; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00984994
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: UTC R44, RG000925, Final Report
• Contract Numbers: DTRS98-G-0021
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 31 2005 12:00AM