California Partners for Advanced Transportation Technology

Abstract. The work reported here quantitatively addresses the measurement of conspicuity of highway features and Caltrans work zones -- from the perspective of driver detection. The method focused on acquiring and operating on a computational visual signature analysis tool, but it evolved into evaluating the detection process, then selecting and exercising human perception-acquisition models suitable for development into a tool for conspicuity measurement. A composite, quantitative model of conspicuity was developed, verified, and applied to some sample roadside scenes. Key Words. Conspicuity, Perception, Visual Performance, Human Vision, Vigilance, Pre-attentive, Pre-cognitive, Contrast Model, Work Zones