Southwest Research Institute

Steven B Seida

Ernest August Franke

David L Davidson

Michael J Magee

Ernest S Kinkler

Apparatus and methods effective for detecting, locating and characterizing traffic-related incidents are based upon improved image processing techniques applied to infrared and visible light spectrum roadway images in a time sequence. Substantially real-time isolation and identification of anomalous or unexpected traffic conditions allows control of traffic signals and dispatch of law enforcement, maintenance or emergency medical care resources to reduce cost and increase safety. Detectable traffic-related incidents include, for example, the appearance of a stationary object on a roadway, the appearance of a pedestrian on a roadway, and the identification and location of vehicles obstructing traffic flow by moving too slowly or erratically or in the wrong direction. Programmable digital computer image processing allows automatic classification of the severity of detected incidents based on the potential for further traffic hazards and injuries, and can support automatic signals to alter traffic flow patterns for reducing the likelihood of incidents, as well as automatic alerts to law enforcement, maintenance and emergency medical personnel.

Method and apparatus for traffic incident detection

A method for measuring strain in a sample of material. A reference image is obtained of a surface of the sample. A test machine is used to apply a load to the sample, as determined by a control signal from a system processor. A measurement image is then obtained, and test points on the reference image are located on the measurement image, using an image processor programmed to perform machine vision. The displacements between the location of the test points on the two images are determined. These displacements are used to calculate strain. Each new strain value may be used by the system processor to determine a next load value, so that the load is adjusted in terms of strain parameters.

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San Antonio, TX, United States of America

Steven B Seida