Taking the Next Step
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently conducted a large-scale field test of a stereo vision system for detecting pedestrians at signal-controlled intersections. Stereo vision, also called stereopsis and binocular vision, uses two views of a scene viewed with two cameras to compare slightly different pixel images to extract information that can be used to calculate depth. Proving that stereo vision will reliably detect pedestrians in real-world environments is critical to convincing engineers that using these systems is safe for improving intersection crossings. The field test was conducted to confirm that stereo vision systems can effectively actuate pedestrian calls and trigger the audible locator tones on accessible pedestrian signals. The researchers conducted the tests in Tucson, Arizona; Somerville, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Manchester, New Hampshire -- sites selected for their temperature extremes and wide variations in weather conditions. The field test shows that when pedestrians are detected near the pushbuttons, the stereo pedestrian detection system actuates either regular or accessible pedestrian signal pushbuttons to make requests for the pedestrian crossing phases. The overall positive detection rate for the automated pushbutton actuation zone at all four cities is close to 98%, and the average number of false calls per day is less than 3. To date, all of the systems continue to be operational, 24/7, in complex outdoor environments. Now that a stereo vision system is available that can identify pedestrians and turn on locator tones, much additional research is needed to fine-tune the system to optimize it for the needs of visually impaired individuals. Ultimately, the stereo camera system’s ability to reliably detect pedestrians and automate actuation of pushbuttons based on the presence of pedestrians promises to help reduce the likelihood of conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. The end result is safer crossings and, ideally, fewer fatalities.
- Record URL:
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1586080
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Authors:
- Gibson, David R P
- Burton, Paul
- Boudreau, Neil
- Bobinsky, Michael J
- Hoben, Jim
- Ling, Bo
- Bentzen, Billie Louise
- Publication Date: 2013-3
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Print
- Features: Figures; Photos; Tables;
- Pagination: pp 26-33
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Serial:
- Public Roads
- Volume: 76
- Issue Number: 5
- Publisher: Federal Highway Administration
- ISSN: 0033-3735
- Serial URL: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/
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Publication flags:
Open Access (libre)
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Field tests; Pedestrian actuated controllers; Pedestrian detectors; Pedestrian vehicle interface; Sensors; Stereoscopic cameras; Visually impaired persons
- Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; I73: Traffic Control;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01485722
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS, USDOT
- Created Date: Jul 5 2013 2:10PM