Road Surface Deterioration Estimation Using Image Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating road surface deterioration struggle when the surface is covered with water or snow, making it difficult to detect deterioration accurately.
Innovation Solution
A deterioration estimation system that includes detection, determination, calculation, estimation, and display units to analyze road surface images, differentiate between detectable and non-detectable regions, and estimate deterioration based on past data and environmental parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image analysis is used to detect road surface deterioration, then measurement capability is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates when road surface is covered with water or snow
Solution Approach 1:
The road surface image is divided into multiple regions, with each region independently classified as detectable or non-detectable based on local image characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to handle adverse conditions in specific regions without compromising the entire measurement, resolving the contradiction by isolating affected areas while maintaining accuracy in unaffected areas.
Solution Approach 2:
A determination unit acts as an intermediary between the detection unit and calculation unit. It analyzes image characteristics to identify regions where deterioration is detectable versus non-detectable, and uses this information to guide the calculation process. This intermediary component enables the system to adapt to adverse conditions by selectively processing only reliable regions.
2Reliability
If detection is performed only in detectable regions, then measurement reliability is improved, but coverage area deteriorates due to exclusion of regions under water or snow
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs preliminary classification of road surface regions before the actual deterioration calculation. By pre-identifying detectable versus non-detectable regions based on image characteristics (such as presence of water or snow), the system prepares a map of reliable measurement areas in advance, allowing subsequent processing to focus only on valid regions while maintaining comprehensive coverage where possible.
3Device complexity
If simple image analysis is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection capability deteriorates in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into distinct functional units: a determination unit that classifies regions and a calculation unit that computes deterioration metrics. This segmentation maintains relative simplicity while improving precision by allowing each unit to specialize in its specific task, avoiding the need for complex integrated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit serves as a simple intermediary that bridges basic image analysis and deterioration calculation. It adds minimal complexity by introducing region classification logic, yet significantly improves detection precision by preventing erroneous measurements in adverse conditions without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A deterioration estimation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: detect road surface deterioration from a first road surface image; determine, in the first road surface image, a first region where deterioration is detectable and a second region where deterioration is difficult to detect; calculate a degree of deterioration of the first region based on a detection result from the first road surface image; estimate a degree of deterioration of the second region based on a degree of deterioration in road surface deterioration detected from a second road surface image imaged before the first road surface image; and calculate a degree of deterioration of the road surface based on the calculated degree of deterioration of the first region and the estimated degree of deterioration of the second region.