SBIR-STTR Award

Smart On-Board Device for Detection of Static Sign Codes and Other Roadway Entities 3/20/2018 Connected automated vehicle (CAV) technology offers great benefits to vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) safety through information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure. The availability of ICT is limited in the rural areas of the country. To mitigate this problem, SBC proposes a method for machine readable coding technology for static signs and a smart on-board device equipped with standard resolution cameras and sensors. Using the proposed technology, it is going to be possible to replicate partially the roadside equipment (RSE) messages in areas where this infrastructure is not available. The proposed sign code method offers an effective solution for generation of MAP and SPaT messages. The system will also employ a robust artificial neural network (overcomes heavy climate conditions, illumination problems etc.) to perform recognition of other roadway entities such as a crossing pedestrian or animal on the roadway. This Vehicle to Infrastructure (V2I) concept will support faster deployment of Connected Vehicle (CV) technology in vast rural areas of the country. The proposed system will also generate important data for future application such as conflict points data (near crashes, fatalities) to determine safety profiles of roadway sections and infrastructure deterioration (Road sign visibility, pavement cracks etc.) to develop optimal maintenance decision making.

Connected automated vehicle (CAV) technology has significant implications in terms of transportation system safety and efficiency. However, building and maintaining a wireless communication infrastructure (e.g. roadside units (RSUs), power, fiber optic lines etc.) across the U.S. is a challenging task. In urban areas, where vehicle population and vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) are high, building such an infrastructure could be economically viable. However, in rural areas, where traffic fatality rates are relatively higher, building the necessary infrastructure would be