Abstract taken directly from texts and as such, quoted below:
“Vision-based Intelligent System for Traffic Analysis (VISTA) is a computer-based vision system that captures video footages of roads for analysis of traffic parameters. Problems with existing technology have led researchers to venture into the use of computer vision. VISTA consists of a dadta acquisition, data processing and result generation modules. The input of the system is a video footage of a roadway taken with a still digital video camera. The input is then converted into an image sequence. Each image is then processed to segregate entities on the road that contribute to traffic from those that do not. Once these entities are identified, pertinent traffic parameters are then computed based on the image sequence. The output of the system can be used as the necessary traffic parameters for traffic management and information systems.
This paper presents the design and implementation of the Codebook sub-module, which is responsible for segregating foreground and background segments of an image. It also outlines performance analysis and evaluation of the sub-module.”
This is one of the good researches that will surely help improve traffic data collection through the use of video cameras and computers. A lot of video image processors for traffic analysis are already being used in other countries. This, however, is locally developed and thus, local application would be much easier, cheaper, and appropriate.
On a note, errors are inherent from devices or personnel performing the data collection. Thus, the system errors present for VISTA is normal. In the conducted on-road object tests, the obtained error can be factored in the traffic flow computations such that more accurate estimates can be achieved.
In the advent of increasing use of surveillance cameras in most cities in Metro Manila, it would be much more wise to include the capabilities of VISTA to maximize the benefits that can be obtained from these. Giving attention to the critical issues of VISTA also would further ensure the accuracy of traffic flow computations. As a transport expert, I highly commend the researchers for producing a practical and valuable tool for traffic analysis to address traffic congestion in the metropolis. This tool should be explored by the MMDA for their real-time traffic surveillance in order to improve the agency’s traffic management and operations.
