MPC
Research Projects (2003-04)

Identifying Number

MPC-245

Project Title

Video Imaging System Evaluation

University

University of Utah

Project Investigator

Peter T. Martin
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801)581-7144
martin@civil.utah.edu

External Project Contact

N/A

Project Objective

The goal of the project is to evaluate the effectiveness of video detection technology as it could be applied to the Wasatch Front.

Project Abstract

There are roughly 3.9 million miles of highways in the USA (0.2m Interstate, 0.8m state, and 2.9m local). This could translate into over 20 million sensors to instrument these roadways over the long term. ITS America estimates that many sensors will be procured over the next 10 years.

The industry standard detector is the inductive loop. While relatively cheap to install, "loops" are known to be unreliable because they are often damaged. Buried in the wearing course of the pavement, they are vulnerable to damage from public utility excavation and winter maintenance activities.

Video image detection is one of the primary alternatives to the traditional loop detector. Video images are recognized by computers as a matrix of many tiny images, known as pixels. Clever algorithms analyze the patterns of pixels to provide many useful traffic measures: flow, speed, occupancy.

Traffic system managers are enthusiastic about the efficiency and effectiveness of video based detectors but they are concerned about reliability. Further, engineers are known to be reluctant to replace a well established technology, especially when the new method has higher installation costs.

Task Descriptions

• Draft, submit, and acquire approval of a detailed scope.
• Procure, install, and test a leading video detection system.
• Develop a mobile video detection system.
• Evaluate the actual effectiveness from field measurements.
• Report

Milestones, Dates

Starting Date: July 1, 2003
Ending Date: June 30, 2004

Student Involvement

Two graduate students will be supported for one year; two MS thesis.

Relationship to Other Research Projects

N/A

Technology Transfer Activities

Workshop; publication in both peer reviewed and professional journals. The project will provide a mobile lab facility.

Potential Benefits of the Project

The project will provide an independent assessment of the efficiency of video image detection technology.

TRB Keywords

Traffic management, intelligent transportation systems, advanced traffic management systems