Applied Sciences (Jul 2024)

The Development of a Prototype Solution for Detecting Wear and Tear in Pedestrian Crossings

  • Gonçalo J. M. Rosa,
  • João M. S. Afonso,
  • Pedro D. Gaspar,
  • Vasco N. G. J. Soares,
  • João M. L. P. Caldeira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156462
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 15
p. 6462

Abstract

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Crosswalks play a fundamental role in road safety. However, over time, many suffer wear and tear that makes them difficult to see. This project presents a solution based on the use of computer vision techniques for identifying and classifying the level of wear on crosswalks. The proposed system uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) to analyze images of crosswalks, determining their wear status. The design includes a prototype system mounted on a vehicle, equipped with cameras and processing units to collect and analyze data in real time as the vehicle traverses traffic routes. The collected data are then transmitted to a web application for further analysis and reporting. The prototype was validated through extensive tests in a real urban environment, comparing its assessments with manual inspections conducted by experts. Results from these tests showed that the system could accurately classify crosswalk wear with a high degree of accuracy, demonstrating its potential for aiding maintenance authorities in efficiently prioritizing interventions.

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