The Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI) is working on the creation of a system for the rapid detection and fixation of road surface defects and traffic signs. The smart camera will help improve traffic safety and, optimize the work of the city's road services.
"On the roads, it is often possible to encounter various problems that pose a danger to road users: traffic lights may fail, road markings may be poorly distinguishable, and road signs may be tilted, damaged, polluted, or blocked, for example, by branches. As a result, the risk of traffic accident increases. Therefore, it is important to identify and eliminate such situations in a timely manner to ensure safety. Our development will allow for constant monitoring of the situation and informing the city's road services in real time," said Ivan Tomilov, Head of the Department of Automated Control Systems at NSTU-NETI, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor Ivan Tomilov.
The system under development is a compact hardware and software complex consisting of a USB camera that collects defect data using computer vision and, a single-board embedded computer that transmits information to a server in central storage. The device also determines the GPS coordinates to locate the problem. Access to the database will be provided to authorized services to take prompt troubleshooting measures.
The device is planned to be installed in public or official transport and automatically records undesirable situations on the road without the participation of a driver or a special employee. This will allow you to collect data without additional costs in real time.
The system can already identify faulty traffic lights, marking defects, and damage to road signs. Currently, developers are actively working on creating an algorithm for detecting pavement defects (pits).
The introduction of this system into urban infrastructure will improve road safety, reduce the time required to eliminate defects, and optimize the work of road services.