Recent advances in vision based detection technology for traffic applications

The authors consider the relative merits of a new embedded approach to traffic detection compared with more traditional video based systems and in-road detection solutions. The new approach removes the requirement for a video transport media for the image data and an associated frame grabber and PC (or similar) based architecture. Instead, a fully integrated approach is described using a CMOS colour sensor connected digitally to an embedded 32bit DSP processor. The strengths and weaknesses of the new architecture are discussed together with accuracy details for the technology and the processing techniques. Trial data shows how this new approach could lead to stabilised detection performance for a variety of applications where a cost effective solution of this type gives excellent value over more traditional in-road detection solutions.