Development of detection algorithm for vehicles using multi-line CCD sensor

We have developed a lane change aid system (LCAS), which detects vehicles behind in adjacent lanes with multi-line CCD sensors and informs the driver of vehicle location with a head-up display (HUD). Instead of processing camera images directly, a multi-line CCD sensor contains the pairs of line CCDs and measures two-dimensional distance distribution by comparing the brightness on line CCDs. To ensure the effective vehicle detection in real public traffic, we have developed a detection algorithm that evaluates the reliability of each measured distance and distinguishes vehicles from guardrails and white markers on roads. We present the detection algorithm and its performance in real traffic