Artificial Perception under Adverse Conditions: the Case of the Visibility Range

_____________________________________________________________________ Abstract Many factors can alter the quality of the signal resulting from an optical sensor mounted onboard an automotive vehicle. To be able to detect and quantify these degraded operation conditions while relying only on the signals resulting from sensors themselves is a challenge for the future driver assistances. In this paper, an approach dealing with daytime fog conditions is presented. First of all, daytime fog is modelled and new visibility distances fitting well with daytime fog driving conditions are defined. Then, two methods for computing the visibility range are proposed. Finally, several applications are derived: enhancement of driver assistances, automation of fog beams and intelligent speed alert. Finally, some perspectives for future research directions are indicated.