Road accidents are a civilizational phenomenon resulting from the circulation of large numbers of vehicles on public roads. There are four interrelated factors at their origin: the human, the vehicle, the infrastructure and the environment. In what respects to the infrastructure components, vertical traffic signs are particularly important. In fact, a significant part of accidents occurs because drivers do not see, or ignore, traffic signs, particularly in adverse weather conditions or because of drivers’ distraction. To overcome these issues, recently algorithms have been developed for the treatment of images taken by cameras installed in vehicles, which allow the automatic recognition of signs and the transmission of the respective information to the driver. However, one of the challenges of these systems is their dependence on adverse weather conditions that may hinder, or even turn impossible, the recognition of vertical signs through the respective captured images. In this sense, the main objective of this project is to overcome these limitations by developing “active/intelligent” traffic signs which, in addition to their visual content, ensure that their information is received by road users through other means of communication, independent from weather conditions. To this end, it will be developed a technological solution – SmartSIGN S2X –involving disruptive developments in three essential areas: the vertical signs themselves, which should incorporate modules for the transmission of information via radiofrequency; the communications and protocols, which should enable adaptation to technologies and protocols of wireless communication between components and public roads, for which harmonised specifications are being developed between European countries; an application for the management of the incoming data resultant from traffic signs that, through a proper interface platform, allows the effective communication of the respective information to users.
Funding Program: PT2020 - POCI - Programa Operacional de Competitividade e Internacionalização
Funding Total Budget: 648.315,85€
Funding IPLeiria: 381.600,02€