Mandatory traffic signs localization and recognition using computer vision

• Grant number: 16/20219-5
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2016
• Effective date (End): March 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Santos Osório
• Grantee: Felipe Silva Rangel dos Santos
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Autonomous mobile robotics is a multidisciplinary research area that has been intensively studied recently. Its greatest challenge is developing mobile robots able to understand what is around. Capable of processing information and making a right decision. Autonomous navigation is a major problem from mobile robotics area. Even though it has been target of studies for the last decades, it has a high potential to be explored by scientific research. CaRINA 2 is an Autonomous Intelligent Vehicle under development by Mobile Robotics Laboratory (LRM) at The Institute of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (ICMC-USP). All CaRINA 2's subsystems are computer controlled. It also has a working navigation system. However, it is constantly used to test algorithms and new approaches developed by LRM's researchers. With this in mind, the research project proposes developing a Mandatory Traffic Signs Localization and Recognition System. Its importance lies on the need a Navigation system has on this task. The information traffic signs present are highly necessary. For example: Speed limits, stop points. All of these instructions are used in order to fulfill other tasks. Besides, an autonomous vehicle will be able to adjust to unexpected events and circumstances. Respecting local traffic rules and therefore improving its decisions. For example, it will not go too faster or too slower than it should due to lack of knowledge. It will also maintain security and thereby effectively performing its tasks and achieving its goal. Reducing accidents and allowing traffic flow to increase. (AU)