Utilization of optical road surface condition detection around intersections

Abstract

This paper presents experimental results regarding road condition monitoring by machine vision techniques. The system will be further developed by VTT in the European INTERSAFE-2 project, focused on applications at road intersections. Knowing the presence of adverse conditions such as icy or wet roads, important effects can be obtained for intersection safety by means of more effective driver assistance functions. A very good reliability up to 93% has been found for the detection of icy roads, while lower values around 60% have been measured in the case of wet surfaces, due to a higher sensitivity to environmental conditions, especially outdoor light. Future steps will include an advanced classification algorithm and the implementation of active lighting. Integration of the vision equipment into a cooperative system for intersection safety is being investigated.