Effect of Field Setup on Accuracy of Traffic Data Collection Using Machine Vision Technology

Abstract

Video traffic data were collected in 24 combinations of four different camera position parameters. A machine vision processor was used to detect vehicle speeds and volumes from the videotapes. The machine vision results were then compared with the actual vehicle volumes and speeds to give the percentage errors in each case. The results of the study provide a procedure with which to establish camera position parameters with specific reference points to help machine vision users select suitable camera positions and develop appropriate measurement error expectations. The camera position parameters that were most likely to produce the least overall volume and speed errors, for the specific site and field setup with the parameter ranges used in this study, were the low height of approximately 7.6 m (25 ft), with an upstream orientation (traffic moving toward the camera), a 50-mm (midangle) focal length, and a 15° vertical angle.

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