Single-Station Algorithm Using Video-Based Data for Detecting Expressway Incidents

• Published in: Computer-aided civil and infrastructure engineering Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 120 - 135
• Main Authors: Mak, Chin Long, Fan, Henry S. L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston, USA and Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing, Inc 01.02.2006; Blackwell
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Exact sciences and technology; Ground, air and sea transportation, marine construction; Road operations (signalization, lighting, safety and accessories, snow clearance, acoustical panel, etc.); Road transportation and traffic; Transportation infrastructure; Asia; Singapore; Mishap; Detector; Traffic flow; In situ test; Video technique; Road traffic; Urban expressway; Algorithm; Comparative study
• ISSN: 1093-9687; 1467-8667
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8667.2005.00418.x

:  Most automatic incident detection algorithms were successfully developed using loop‐detector‐based traffic measurements collected from their own localities. But their detection performances were not satisfactory when applied on data collected using a video‐based detector system. The video‐based detector system is gaining popularity as it was reported to be cost‐effective, less prone to damage compared to loop detectors embedded in road pavement, and possesses surveillance capability. It is able to provide the homogeneity of traffic measurements with greater reliability in non‐incident situations. In this study, a simple detection rule was used to develop algorithms that use video‐based data for detecting lane‐blocking incidents. A set of 96 incidents from Singapore's Central Expressway was used for calibrating these algorithms, with another 64 incidents for validation. Two single‐station algorithms, named dual‐variable (DV) and flow‐based DV algorithms were developed. They have similar detection logic, but the latter includes a pre‐incident traffic flow condition in its detection framework. On average, the flow‐based DV algorithm outperformed the DV algorithm, and both proved to be effective techniques when compared to some existing loop‐detector‐based algorithms.