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Title
The 3rd ISPRS Workshop on Dynamic and Multi-Dimensional GIS & the 10th Annual Conference of CPGIS on Geoinformatics
Author
Chen, Jun

ISPRS, Vol.34, Part 2W2, "Dynamic and Multi-Dimensional GIS", Bangkok, May 23-25, 2001
238
AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION AND LOCATION OF ROAD SIGNS FROM TERRESTERIAL COLOR IMAGERY
Sompoch PUNTAVUNGKOUR
Map Information Center, Royal Thai Survey Department, Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Spuntavungkour@hotmail.com
Xiaoyang CHEN * \ Michiro KUSANAGI 2
Space Technology Application and Research Program, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. box 4, Klong Lung, Pathumthani, and 12120,
Thailand
Xychen 1 ,Kusanagi 2 @ait.ac.th
Keywords: Road Sign Recognition; Mobile Mapping Systems, Sign Library
Abstract
Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) are an emerging technology in Geomatics. They have developed from a concept to a standard mapping
tool. They differ from traditional mapping methods mainly by their fast data collection speed and low cost which makes them ideal for data
collection in support of the intelligent transportation systems (ITS). The automatic recognition and location of road signs using a ground
image algorithm, an important part of a MMS, has been developed but is still complex and not found in commercial systems.
In this paper an automatic road sign positioning and recognition algorithm is presented. For the data collection, the two calibrated sensors,
RTK-GPS and digital CCD camera, integrated on a van are used. Road Sign Recognition consists of two parts: Sign detection and Sign
Identification. Sign Detection is based on Semi-geometric correction. Sign Identification is based on Image Matching with a Sign Library. The
Sign positioning requires of data extraction and Sign position computation. Data extraction is based on Data Synchronization. The Sign
Position is based on a new simple algorithm based on surveying principles. However, the result is accurate to realize within a real application
in the near future.
1 Introduction
Road Sign Recognition integrated with a Mobile Mapping
Systems is a significant challenge. Currently two topics are
researched and developed widely in Developed counties such as
German, Japan, and others. Specially, Road Sign Recognition is
complex and expensive in an experimental step, not in the
market. Transforming from the complex sensor-separated
system to a simple sensor-integrated system, it is a problem
worthy of solution in this region.
Present Mobile Mapping Systems that have incorporated
recognition systems are few in number (See Table 1).
Table 1 Mobile Mapping Systems available in the world
System
Developer/Research
Navigation Sensors
Mapping System
GeoVAN
Geospan Crop., USA
G PS/DR
10 VHS, voice recorder
GPS Van
The Ohio State University, USA
GPS/Gyro/Wheel
counter
2 CCD, Voice recorder
GPS Vision**
Lambda Tech. Int. Inc, USA
GPS/INS
2 CCD Optical disc
Kiss**
Univ. of Bundeswger Munich and
GeoDigital, Germany
GPS/IMU?lnclination
Odometer/Barometer
IHVHS, 2BW CCD, Voice recorder
ON-SIGHT
TransMap Crop., USA
GPS/INS
4 color CCD
RGIAS
Rowe Surveying and Engg, Inc, USA
GPS
Video/Laser
T ruckMAP
John E. Chance and Engg Inc., USA
GPS/Gryo//WA-GPS
Laser ranqe finder, 1 video camera
VISAr*
The Univ. of Calgary and Geofit.,
Cadana
GPS/INS/ABS
8 BW CCD 1 color SVHS
WUMMS
Wuhan Technical Uni. Of surveying
and Mapping, China
GPS
3 Color CCD, Laser Range, Finder
** MMS have road sign recognition systems
Source: Sompoch P., Special Study: Mobile Mapping, AIT, 1999
Mobile Mapping has been researched and developed since 1980
when the GPS was transferred from military to civilian users.
There are three groups of methods. The first research specified
the photogrammetry section such as photogrammetric
aerotriangulation by GPS (van der Vegt 1988, Colonia 1989,
Jacobsen 1993, Ackermann and Schade 1993, Merchant 1994).
The second group emphasized mapping land vehicle by
combining navigation sensors such as GPS, INS, CCD camera
etc. for high-resolution mapping. (Hein 1989, Krabill 1989,chwarz
1993, Scherzinger 1995, Da and Dedes 1995, Schwarz 1996).
The last one effects to research the automation rocessing such
as the automatic matching of the ground bjects, and traction of
the central line of a road (He and ovak 1992, Li 1994, Xin 995,
Tao1996)
* Supported by Visiting Scholar Foundation of Keb Lab. In Wuhan University, P. R. China