DOCSLIB.ORG

Traffic and Road Sign Recognition

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Traffic and Road Sign Recognition Traffic and Road Sign Recognition Hasan Fleyeh This thesis is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of Napier University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy July 2008 Abstract This thesis presents a system to recognise and classify road and traffic signs for the purpose of developing an inventory of them which could assist the highway engineers’ tasks of updating and maintaining them. It uses images taken by a camera from a moving vehicle. The system is based on three major stages: colour segmentation, recognition, and classification. Four colour segmentation algorithms are developed and tested. They are a shadow and highlight invariant, a dynamic threshold, a modification of de la Escalera’s algorithm and a Fuzzy colour segmentation algorithm. All algorithms are tested using hundreds of images and the shadow-highlight invariant algorithm is eventually chosen as the best performer. This is because it is immune to shadows and highlights. It is also robust as it was tested in different lighting conditions, weather conditions, and times of the day. Approximately 97% successful segmentation rate was achieved using this algorithm. Recognition of traffic signs is carried out using a fuzzy shape recogniser. Based on four shape measures - the rectangularity, triangularity, ellipticity, and octagonality, fuzzy rules were developed to determine the shape of the sign. Among these shape measures octangonality has been introduced in this research. The final decision of the recogniser is based on the combination of both the colour and shape of the sign. The recogniser was tested in a variety of testing conditions giving an overall performance of approximately 88%. Classification was undertaken using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. The classification is carried out in two stages: rim’s shape classification followed by the classification of interior of the sign. The classifier was trained and tested using binary images in addition to five different types of moments which are Geometric moments, Zernike moments, Legendre moments, Orthogonal Fourier-Mellin Moments, and Binary Haar features. The performance of the SVM was tested using different features, kernels, SVM types, SVM parameters, and moment’s orders. The average classification rate achieved is about 97%. Binary images show the best testing results followed by Legendre moments. Linear kernel gives the best testing results followed by RBF. C-SVM shows very good performance, but ν-SVM gives better results in some case. II Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisors Professor Howard Kirby and Dr. Chuen Wan. Their suggestions, guidance, encouragement, and support helped me greatly with this thesis. I would like to gratefully acknowledge the support of Dalarna University, Sweden which funded and financially supported this work from the very beginning. I must especially mention Professor Mark Dougherty, Dean of Research, Dalarna University, my friend and supporter who suggested the cooperation between Dalarna University and Napier University, and who supported me from my first trip to Edinburgh to the present day. For his valuable time which is given to me freely and for the discussions and criticisms which make this work what it is today, I would like to say thank you. My thanks go to my friends Yella Siril and Pascal Rebreyend at Dalarna University for the useful discussions, help and support. I would like to recognise the help and support of Dr. Ernst Nordström, Computer Engineering Department, Dalarna University and Prof. Björn Sohlberg, Electrical Engineering Department, Dalarna University for reviewing my papers, and for the valuable discussions and encouragement. My acknowledgements go to Mrs. Sarah Berglind, English Department, Dalarna University and Mr. Jalal Alrazzaz who proof-read this thesis. Without their suggestions the thesis would not be what it is today. Most of all, I would like to express my great thanks to the person who is closest to my heart, my wife Jinan Hussein who has shared the past twenty years of my life both in its sweet and sad days; who helped me during this thesis by collecting the traffic sign images; and, by taking on more domestic responsibilities to provide a quiet environment for my research. Without her love, support, and encouragement, this thesis would not have been possible. My thanks go to my daughter Riam and my son Sadeem for their continual love and support. III To Jinan My whole life… and more. IV TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................... X LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... XIV 1. Introduction............................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background............................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Complexity of the Recognition Task ........................................................................ 3 1.3 Aims and Objectives of the Research ....................................................................... 4 1.4 Outline of the Thesis................................................................................................. 4 2. Traffic Signs .............................................................................................................. 7 2.1 Properties of Road and Traffic Signs........................................................................ 7 2.2 Swedish Road and Traffic Signs............................................................................... 8 2.3 Summary................................................................................................................. 11 3. Problem Formulation ............................................................................................. 14 3.1 What is Road Sign Recognition? ............................................................................ 15 3.2 Road Sign Recognition Applications...................................................................... 16 3.3 Potential Difficulties ............................................................................................... 17 3.4 Summary................................................................................................................. 24 4. Technical Overview ................................................................................................ 25 4.1 Literature Review.................................................................................................... 25 4.1.1 Colour-Based Detection of Traffic Signs ........................................................ 26 4.1.2 Shape-Based Detection of Traffic Signs.......................................................... 27 4.1.3 Colour-Shape-Based Detection of Road Signs................................................ 30 4.1.4 Recognition and Classification ........................................................................ 34 4.1.5 OCR and Pictograms Recognition................................................................... 39 4.1.6 Analysis of the Literature Review ................................................................... 40 4.2 Colour ..................................................................................................................... 47 4.2.1 Variation of Colour in Outdoor Images........................................................... 49 4.2.2 Hue Invariance................................................................................................. 51 4.2.3 Colour Constancy............................................................................................. 52 V 4.3 Moments and Invariants.......................................................................................... 53 4.3.1 Zernike Moments............................................................................................. 53 4.3.2 Legendre Moments .......................................................................................... 57 4.3.3 Orthogonal Fourier-Mellin Moments .............................................................. 59 4.3.4 Binary Haar Features ....................................................................................... 60 4.4 Support Vector Machines ....................................................................................... 62 4.4.1 Linear Classification with Maximal Margin Classifier ................................... 63 4.4.2 Non-Linear Classification................................................................................ 69 4.4.3 Learning in Feature Space ............................................................................... 70 4.4.4 Implicit Mapping to Feature Space.................................................................. 71 4.4.5 Kernels ............................................................................................................. 72 4.4.6 Properties of Kernels........................................................................................ 73 4.4.7 Examples of Kernels........................................................................................ 73 4.4.8 Soft Margin Classifier...................................................................................... 74 4.4.9 Multi-class Classifier ....................................................................................... 75 4.4.10 Types of SVM...............................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Transport and Map Symbols Range: 1F680–1F6FF
    Transport and Map Symbols Range: 1F680–1F6FF This file contains an excerpt from the character code tables and list of character names for The Unicode Standard, Version 14.0 This file may be changed at any time without notice to reflect errata or other updates to the Unicode Standard. See https://www.unicode.org/errata/ for an up-to-date list of errata. See https://www.unicode.org/charts/ for access to a complete list of the latest character code charts. See https://www.unicode.org/charts/PDF/Unicode-14.0/ for charts showing only the characters added in Unicode 14.0. See https://www.unicode.org/Public/14.0.0/charts/ for a complete archived file of character code charts for Unicode 14.0. Disclaimer These charts are provided as the online reference to the character contents of the Unicode Standard, Version 14.0 but do not provide all the information needed to fully support individual scripts using the Unicode Standard. For a complete understanding of the use of the characters contained in this file, please consult the appropriate sections of The Unicode Standard, Version 14.0, online at https://www.unicode.org/versions/Unicode14.0.0/, as well as Unicode Standard Annexes #9, #11, #14, #15, #24, #29, #31, #34, #38, #41, #42, #44, #45, and #50, the other Unicode Technical Reports and Standards, and the Unicode Character Database, which are available online. See https://www.unicode.org/ucd/ and https://www.unicode.org/reports/ A thorough understanding of the information contained in these additional sources is required for a successful implementation.
    [Show full text]
  • 2B-1 Application of Regulatory Signs Regulatory
    6. REGULATORY SIGNS 2B-1 Application of Regulatory Signs Regulatory signs inform highway users of traffic laws or regulations and indicate the applicability of legal requirements that would not oth- erwise be apparent. These signs shall be erected wherever needed to fulfill this purpose, but unnecessary mandates should be avoided. The laws of many States specify that certain regulations are enforceable only when made known by official signs. Some regulatory signs are related to operational controls but do not impose any obligations or prohibitions. For example, signs giving ad- vance notice of or marking the end of a restricted zone are included in the regulatory group. Regulatory signs normally shall be erected at those locations where regulations apply. The sign message shall clearly indicate the require- ments imposed by the regulation and shall be easily visible and legible to the vehicle operator. 2B-2 Classification of Regulatory Signs Regulatory signs are classified in the following groups: 1. Right-of-way series: (a) STOP sign (sec. 2B-4 to 6) (b) YIELD sign (sec. 2B-7 to 9) 2. Speed series (sec. 2B-10 to 14) 3. Movement series: (a) Turning (see. 2B-15 to 19) (b) Alignment (sec. 2B-20 to 25) (c) Exclusion (see. 2B-26 to 28) (d) One Way (sec. 2B-29 to 30) 4. Parking series (see. 2B-31 to 34) 5. Pedestrian series (see. 2B-35 to 36) 6. Miscellaneous series (sec. 2B-37 to 44) 2B-3 Design of Regulatory Signs Regulatory signs are rectangular, with the longer dimension vertical, and have black legend on a white background, except for those signs whose standards specify otherwise.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapters 2I-2N
    2009 Edition Page 299 CHAPTER 2I. GENERAL SERVICE SIGNS Section 2I.01 Sizes of General Service Signs Standard: 01 Except as provided in Section 2A.11, the sizes of General Service signs that have a standardized design shall be as shown in Table 2I-1. Support: 02 Section 2A.11 contains information regarding the applicability of the various columns in Table 2I-1. Option: 03 Signs larger than those shown in Table 2I-1 may be used (see Section 2A.11). Table 2I-1. General Service Sign and Plaque Sizes (Sheet 1 of 2) Conventional Freeway or Sign or Plaque Sign Designation Section Road Expressway Rest Area XX Miles D5-1 2I.05 66 x 36* 96 x 54* 120 x 60* (F) Rest Area Next Right D5-1a 2I.05 78 x 36* 114 x 48* (E) Rest Area (with arrow) D5-2 2I.05 66 x 36* 96 x 54* 78 x 78* (F) Rest Area Gore D5-2a 2I.05 42 x 48* 66 x 72* (E) Rest Area (with horizontal arrow) D5-5 2I.05 42 x 48* — Next Rest Area XX Miles D5-6 2I.05 60 x 48* 90 x 72* 114 x 102* (F) Rest Area Tourist Info Center XX Miles D5-7 2I.08 90 x 72* 132 x 96* (E) 120 x 102* (F) Rest Area Tourist Info Center (with arrow) D5-8 2I.08 84 x 72* 120 x 96* (E) 144 x 102* (F) Rest Area Tourist Info Center Next Right D5-11 2I.08 90 x 72* 132 x 96* (E) Interstate Oasis D5-12 2I.04 — 156 x 78 Interstate Oasis (plaque) D5-12P 2I.04 — 114 x 48 Brake Check Area XX Miles D5-13 2I.06 84 x 48 126 x 72 Brake Check Area (with arrow) D5-14 2I.06 78 x 60 96 x 72 Chain-Up Area XX Miles D5-15 2I.07 66 x 48 96 x 72 Chain-Up Area (with arrow) D5-16 2I.07 72 x 54 96 x 66 Telephone D9-1 2I.02 24 x 24 30 x 30 Hospital
    [Show full text]
  • Road Signs: Geosemiotics and Human Mobility
    ROAD SIGNS: GEOSEMIOTICS AND HUMAN MOBILITY by Salmiah Abdul Hamid DISSERTATION SUBMITTED on 6th AUGUST 2015 Thesis submitted: August 6, 2015 PhD supervisor: Prof. OLE B. JENSEN Aalborg University PhD committee: Associate Professor Claus Lassen (chairman) Aalborg University Department of Development and Planning Rendsburggade 14 DK-9000 Aalborg E-mail: [email protected] Aga Skorupka Senior Architectural psychologist, PhD Planning and Architecture Department Postboks 427 Skøyen, N-0213 Oslo E-mail: [email protected] Associate Professor Birgitte Geert Jensen Arkitektskolen Aarhus Nørreport 20 DK-8000 Aarhus C E-mail: [email protected] PhD Series: Faculty of Engineering and Sciences Aalborg University ISSN: xxxx- xxxx ISBN: xxx-xx-xxxx-xxx-x Published by: Aalborg University Press Skjernvej 4A, 2nd floor DK – 9220 Aalborg Ø Phone: +45 99407140 [email protected] forlag.aau.dk © Copyright by Salmiah Abdul Hamid Printed in Denmark by Rosendahls, 2015 Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology Aalborg University This PhD research is funded by: Ministry of Higher Education and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia. CV Salmiah Abdul Hamid ([email protected]) is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University, Denmark. Her research interests include urban mobility, information graphics, road signs system and visual communication. She is currently completing her PhD dissertation on the intersections between geosemiotics and mobility practices towards the study of road signs. She is also a lecturer in the Department of Design Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and teaches graphic design courses. In the future, her aims are to integrate the mobility research into the graphic design field and improve the Malaysian city design planning and development.
    [Show full text]
  • International Road Signs Leaflet
    International Road Signs Leaflet Edition 2008 A Comprehensive list of unusual road signs by country © AIT-FIA Information Centre (OTA) Preface This third edition of the International Road Signs leaflet includes three new countries (Kuwait, Latvia and Slovenia) as well as a number of new unusual road signs in several countries. The publication follows a similar approach as the 2005 edition. We have tried to select the most unusual road signs among the ones which do not conform to those prescribed by international agreements, namely the Protocol on Road Signs and Signals (Geneva, 1949) and the Convention on Road Signs and Signals (Vienna, 1968). There is certainly a degree of subjectivity in our selections and we apologise for missing any signs that would have deserved to be inserted in this leaflet. But be sure we will take your remarks into consideration for future updates. We would also like to thank all the national automobile clubs for their invaluable help in the making of this publication. Whether you read it out of curiosity or because you intend to travel abroad, we hope you will enjoy using this leaflet. © AIT-FIA Information Centre (OTA) Table of content Things to know Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Hong Kong Iceland Israel Italy Japan Kuwait Latvia Macedonia (FYROM) Malaysia Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Russia Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United Kingdom USA Tunnel road signs in several countries © AIT-FIA Information Centre (OTA) Things to know According to international agreements: - Danger warning signs are either triangles or diamonds depending on the countries - Restrictive or prohibitory signs are usually circular with red borders.
    [Show full text]
  • Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands Note This Is an Abridged Popular Version Published for Instructional Use
    Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands Note This is an abridged popular version published for instructional use. Due to abridging and modification of the text, no legal status may be derived from this document. The author accepts no liability for the consequences of interpreting the rules. The complete 1990 Traffic Rules and Signs Regulations (RVV 1990) can be viewed at www.ween.nl Road Traffic Signs and Regulations in the Netherlands Summary of Contents Road Trac Act 1994 (WVW 1994) 1 Traffic Conduct 6 1.1 Rules of Conduct 6 Trac Regulations and Road Signs (RVV 1990) 2 Traffic Regulations 9 2.1 Road position 9 2.2 Overtaking 11 2.3 Queues 12 2.4 Approaching road junctions 12 2.5 Giving priority 13 2.5a Level crossings 13 2.6 Cuing across military columns and motorised funeral processions 13 2.7 Turning 14 2.8 Speed limits 15 2.9 Waiting 19 2.10 Parking 19 2.11 Parking bicycles and mopeds 22 2.12 Signals and identification marks 22 2.13 Using lights while driving 24 2.14 Using lights while stationary 27 2.15 Special lights 28 2.16 Motorways and main highways 30 2.17 Roads across recreational areas 31 2.18 Roundabouts 31 2.19 Pedestrians 32 2.20 Emergency vehicles 32 2.21 Stray livestock 32 2.22 Boarding and alighting passengers 33 2.23 Towing 33 2.24 Special manoeuvres 33 2.25 Unnecessary noise 34 2.26 Warning triangles 34 2.26a Seats 35 2.27 Seat belts and child safety systems 36 2.28 Safety helmets 40 2.30 Use of mobile telecommunications equipment 41 2.31 Conveyance of persons in or on trailers and in loading space 42 3 Road
    [Show full text]
  • National Prevention Strategy AMERICA’S PLAN for BETTER HEALTH and WELLNESS
    National Prevention Strategy AMERICA’S PLAN FOR BETTER HEALTH AND WELLNESS June 2011 National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council For more information about the National Prevention Strategy, go to: http://www.healthcare.gov/center/councils/nphpphc. OFFICE of the SURGEON GENERAL 5600 Fishers Lane Room 18-66 Rockville, MD 20857 email: [email protected] Suggested citation: National Prevention Council, National Prevention Strategy, Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General, 2011. National Prevention Strategy America’s Plan for Better Health and Wellness June 16, 2011 2 National Prevention Message from the Chair of the National Prevention,Strategy Health Promotion, and Public Health Council As U.S. Surgeon General and Chair of the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council (National Prevention Council), I am honored to present the nation’s first ever National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy (National Prevention Strategy). This strategy is a critical component of the Affordable Care Act, and it provides an opportunity for us to become a more healthy and fit nation. The National Prevention Council comprises 17 heads of departments, agencies, and offices across the Federal government who are committed to promoting prevention and wellness. The Council provides the leadership necessary to engage not only the federal government but a diverse array of stakeholders, from state and local policy makers, to business leaders, to individuals, their families and communities, to champion the policies and programs needed to ensure the health of Americans prospers. With guidance from the public and the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health, the National Prevention Council developed this Strategy.
    [Show full text]
  • Australian Standard
    AS 1742.8—1990 Australian Standard Manual of uniform traffic control devices Part 8: Freeways This is a free 6 page sample. Access the full version online. This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee MS/12, Road Signs and Traffic Signals. It was approved on behalf of the Council of StandardsAustralia on 27 June 1990 and published on 8 October 1990. The following interests are represented on Committee MS/12: ACT Administration Australian Automobile Association Australian Local Government Association Australian Road Research Board Austroads Confederation of Australian Industry Department of Transport and Communications Department of Road Transport, South Australia Local Government Engineers Association of Victoria Main Roads Department, Queensland Railways of Australia Committee Roads & Traffic Authority, New South Wales Transport Commission, Tasmania Vic Roads Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto. Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards This is a free 6 page sample. Access the full version online. Australia Catalogue of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The Australian Standard’, which subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards. Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are welcomed. Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.
    [Show full text]
  • Bureau of Land Management Sign Guide Book
    December 2004 Mission Statements The mission of the Department of the Interior is to protect and provide access to our Nation’s natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to tribes and our commitments to the island communities. The mission of the Bureau of Land Management is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Suggested citation: Bureau of Land Management. 2004. Sign Guidebook. Denver, Colorado. BLM/WY/AE-05/010+9130. 170 pp. BLM/WY/AE-05/010+9130 P-447 Consultants: Compiled by Lee Campbell, National Sign Coordinator, and edited by Robert Woerner, BLM National Business Center. Layout and design by Ethel Coontz, BLM National Science and Technology Center. i Preface Effective communication requires the clear, concise delivery of an understandable message through a powerful medium. Signs are one of the avenues for conveying infor­ mation to the public about the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). They are a key factor in the way the public views the BLM’s competency to manage the public lands and waters under its jurisdiction. Signs on the BLM-managed public lands and waters are our “silent employees.” A comprehensive sign program fosters safety, facilitates the management of an area, pro­ vides a learning opportunity for visitors, and offers a positive image and identity for all entities involved in the management of that area. This National Sign Guidebook estab­ lishes standards and guidelines for signs and the BLM’s National Sign Program. Signs purchased and installed on the public lands must comply with a number of procurement and accessibility laws and regulations.
    [Show full text]
  • Italy Travel and Driving Guide
    Travel & Driving Guide Italy www.autoeurope. com 1-800-223-5555 Index Contents Page Tips and Road Signs in Italy 3 Driving Laws and Insurance for Italy 4 Road Signs, Tolls, driving 5 Requirements for Italy Car Rental FAQ’s 6-7 Italy Regions at a Glance 7 Touring Guides Rome Guide 8-9 Northwest Italy Guide 10-11 Northeast Italy Guide 12-13 Central Italy 14-16 Southern Italy 17-18 Sicily and Sardinia 19-20 Getting Into Italy 21 Accommodation 22 Climate, Language and Public Holidays 23 Health and Safety 24 Key Facts 25 Money and Mileage Chart 26 www.autoeurope.www.autoeurope.com com 1-800 -223-5555 Touring Italy By Car Italy is a dream holiday destination and an iconic country of Europe. The boot shape of Italy dips its toe into the Mediterranean Sea at the southern tip, has snow capped Alps at its northern end, and rolling hills, pristine beaches and bustling cities in between. Discover the ancient ruins, fine museums, magnificent artworks and incredible architecture around Italy, along with century old traditions, intriguing festivals and wonderful culture. Indulge in the fantastic cuisine in Italy in beautiful locations. With so much to see and do, a self drive holiday is the perfect way to see as much of Italy as you wish at your own pace. Italy has an excellent road and highway network that will allow you to enjoy all the famous sites, and give you the freedom to uncover some undiscovered treasures as well. This guide is aimed at the traveler that enjoys the independence and comfort of their own vehicle.
    [Show full text]
  • AS 1742.7-2007 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
    AS 1742.7—2007 (Incorporating Amendment No. 1) AS 1742.7—2007 Australian Standard® Manual of uniform traffic control devices Part 7: Railway crossings This is a free 8 page sample. Access the full version online. This Australian Standard® was prepared by Committee MS-012, Road Signs and Traffic Signals. It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 19 January 2007. This Standard was published on 20 February 2007. The following are represented on Committee MS-012: • AUSTROADS • Association of Consultants in Access Australia • Australasian Railway Association • Australian Automobile Association • Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry • Department of Infrastructure (Victoria) • Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (Tasmania) • Independent Transport Safety & Reliability Regulator (NSW) • Main Roads Department, Queensland • Main Roads Western Australia • Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW • Transport SA This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 05314. Standards Australia wishes to acknowledge the participation of the expert individuals that contributed to the development of this Standard through their representation on the Committee and through the public comment period. Keeping Standards up-to-date Australian Standards® are living documents that reflect progress in science, technology and systems. To maintain their currency, all Standards are periodically reviewed, and new editions are published. Between editions, amendments may be issued. Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselves they are using a current Standard, which should include any amendments that may have been published since the Standard was published. Detailed information about Australian Standards, drafts, amendments and new projects can be found by visiting www.standards.org.au Standards Australia welcomes suggestions for improvements, and encourages readers to notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies or ambiguities.
    [Show full text]
  • A STUDY of WRITING Oi.Uchicago.Edu Oi.Uchicago.Edu /MAAM^MA
    oi.uchicago.edu A STUDY OF WRITING oi.uchicago.edu oi.uchicago.edu /MAAM^MA. A STUDY OF "*?• ,fii WRITING REVISED EDITION I. J. GELB Phoenix Books THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS oi.uchicago.edu This book is also available in a clothbound edition from THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS TO THE MOKSTADS THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO PRESS, CHICAGO & LONDON The University of Toronto Press, Toronto 5, Canada Copyright 1952 in the International Copyright Union. All rights reserved. Published 1952. Second Edition 1963. First Phoenix Impression 1963. Printed in the United States of America oi.uchicago.edu PREFACE HE book contains twelve chapters, but it can be broken up structurally into five parts. First, the place of writing among the various systems of human inter­ communication is discussed. This is followed by four Tchapters devoted to the descriptive and comparative treatment of the various types of writing in the world. The sixth chapter deals with the evolution of writing from the earliest stages of picture writing to a full alphabet. The next four chapters deal with general problems, such as the future of writing and the relationship of writing to speech, art, and religion. Of the two final chapters, one contains the first attempt to establish a full terminology of writing, the other an extensive bibliography. The aim of this study is to lay a foundation for a new science of writing which might be called grammatology. While the general histories of writing treat individual writings mainly from a descriptive-historical point of view, the new science attempts to establish general principles governing the use and evolution of writing on a comparative-typological basis.
    [Show full text]