IEM's Video Based Visibility Sensor System (V2S2)

IEM is an established sensors and instrumentation company with transportation measurement systems in 15 countries. Visibility is one of the most critical pieces of environmental information in promoting safe traffic operation and traffic management in all modes of transportation: ground, maritime, and air. Typical visibility sensors determine the scattering properties within a relatively small air volume, and then use a transfer algorithm to convert that observation into a distance measurement equivalent to that which a human observer would report. In this project, IEM proposes to develop a low cost, innovative video technology based visibility sensor design and preliminary prototype to conduct the Phase I feasibility. Using natural targets present within the scene, IEM's approach will focus on novel algorithms and imaging hardware to calculate reliable visibility data in all 'weather conditions day and night. In addition, IEM's design will be based on low power battery operated hardware suitable for remote operation for long periods. The proposed visibility sensor will be networkable to communicate with the infrastructure.