NTL Record

Title Demonstration Project 85, Video Imagery Systems for Highway Applications
Record ID 68714
Personal Name
Creator
McCall, Bill; Whited, John
Corporate Creator United States. Federal Highway Administration. Demonstration Projects Division
Corporate
Contributor
Iowa. Office of Transportation Research
Publisher United States. Federal Highway Administration. Demonstration Projects Division
Publication Date 19900501
Language English
Abstract The report describes the state of the art video equipment used and experiences gained from the 6,800 mile field test. The first objective of this project was to determine if laser disc equipment could capture and store usable roadway images while operating in a mobile environment. The second objective was to evaluate methods of using optical disc storage and retrieval features to enhance highway planning and design function. Several highway departments have attempted to use video technology to replace the traditional 16 and 35 mm film format used in photologging. These attempts have met with limited success because of the distortion caused by video technology not being capable of dealing with highway speeds. The distortion has caused many highway signs to be unreadable and, therefore, clients have labeled the technology unusable. Two methods of using optical laser disc storage and retrieval have been successfully demonstrated by Wisconsin and Connecticut Departments of Transportation. Each method provides instantaneous retrieval and linking of images with other information. However, both methods gather the images using 35 mm film techniques. The 35 mm film image is then transferred to laser disc. Eliminating the film conversion to laser disc has potential for saving $4 to $5 per logging mile. In addition to a cost savings, the image would be available immediately as opposed to delays caused by film devveloping and transferring to laser disc. In June and November of 1986 Iowa DOT staff and cooperating equipment suppliers demonstrated the concept of direct image capture. The results from these tests were promising and an FHWA Demonstration program established. Since 1986 technology advancements have been incorporated into the design that further improve the image quality originally demonstrated.
Rosap ID dot:50525
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/50525
TRT Terms Video imaging detectors; Technological innovations; Imagery
General Subjects Laser disc; Video technology; Roadway imagery
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
603208
Contract Number DTFH71-87-970-IA-27
Report Number FHWA-DP-90-085-004
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/68000/68700/68714/FHWA-DP-90-085-004.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository