Investigation of Flash LADAR 3D Imaging Sensor Technology For Non-Intrusive Roadside Traffic Measures

Project summary:

Currently available commercial, non-intrusive traffic measurements on the market are incapable of supporting applications of intersection collision avoidance, pedestrian safety, turning movement counts, and other complex traffic behaviors; as well as, providing a needed visual record of events. We are investigating the use of 3D Flash LADAR sensing technology which captures depth "images" in real-time. The utilization of the sensor has the potential to acquire detailed traffic behavior measurements as well as to provide 3D "point image" of the actual events. Unlike traditional cameras, the time-lapsed 3D depth points can be visualized from any perspective, which may lead to a better understanding of the observed data. Potentially, the sensor could be used for road-side pedestrian/vehicle and vehicle/vehicle collision avoidance systems; law enforcement and speed detection; and as a general traffic measurement device. Our objective is to field test the sensors' capabilities by detecting and identifying moving vehicles at a high volume road facility. Since the LADAR range sensor has not been evaluated as a fixed roadside traffic measurement sensor, the experimental data and analysis will provide a basis for novel and improved sensing applications.