High Performance Pavement Markings Enhancing Camera And LiDAR Detection

It is well known that camera and video sensors have limitations in detecting pavement markings under certain conditions e.g. glare from sunlight or other vehicles, rain, fog etc. First generations of lane keeping systems depend on visual light. Erroneous detection is also resulting from irregular road surfaces such as glossy bitumen sealing strips, rain puddles or simply worn asphalt. The role of higher performing markings and better visual camera detection has been studied with Vedecom France. LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology could help to fill remaining gaps, as it actively sends out IR (infrared) light, that returns reliable images of the road scenario and pavement markings both day and nighttime. In order to evaluate the opportunities of LiDAR technology for the detection of road markings, 3M Company and the University of Applied Sciences in Dresden decided to work together in a joint research project. All-Weather Elements AWE, are the latest development of high-performance optics, using high index beads to provide reflectivity both in dry and wet condition. It could be determined that high performance markings help to increase the level of detection by both camera and LiDAR sensors. The AWE marking was detected from significantly longer distances, especially in wet and rainy conditions. In combination with common camera based LKA and LDW systems, the LiDAR sensors can increase the overall detection rate of pavement markings. This is especially important for vehicles with higher SAE levels of automated driving and can support the overall safety of vehicles. The research also evaluated existing test methods for wet and rain reflectivity in EN 1436 and ASTM E 2832 and how measured performance correlates with LiDAR detection.