Vehicle imaging station

Abstract

A vehicle imaging station for capturing images of vehicle scratches, the vehicle imaging station comprising: a channel having an entrance and an exit, the channel having an enclosure defined by one or more walls between the entrance and the exit to define a channel space containing a vehicle path having a central axis; a relatively bright reflective surface; a relatively dark reflective surface; a camera array comprising one or more cameras, the cameras being arranged with: a first field of view comprising a first portion of the channel space, in which a relatively bright image defined by the relatively bright reflective surface will be reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path so that the relatively bright image is visible to the camera array; and a second field of view comprising a second portion of the channel space, in which a relatively dark image defined by the relatively dark reflective surface will be reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path so that the relatively dark image is visible to the camera array.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Over time, vehicles may sustain exterior damage, including scratches.

[0002] Vehicle imaging stations are known that use a digital camera to capture images of a vehicle to identify scratches on the vehicle.

[0003] The present inventors have designed an improved vehicle imaging station that is capable of more accurately detecting scratches on a vehicle than known vehicle imaging stations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle imaging platform is provided, wherein the vehicle imaging platform is used to capture an image of a vehicle scratch, and the vehicle imaging platform comprises:

[0005] a channel having an entrance and an exit, the channel having an enclosure defined between the entrance and the exit by one or more walls to define a channel space containing a vehicle path having a central axis;

[0006] relatively bright reflective surfaces;

[0007] Relatively dark reflective surfaces; and

[0008] A camera array, the camera array comprising one or more cameras, the cameras being arranged with:

[0009] a first field of view comprising, including, and / or encompassing a first portion of the corridor space in which a relatively bright image defined by the relatively bright reflective surface will be reflected by a vehicle moving along a vehicle path such that the relatively bright image is visible to the camera array;

[0010] A second field of view includes, contains and / or encompasses a second portion of the channel space, in which a relatively dark image defined by a relatively dark reflective surface will be reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path so that the relatively dark image is visible to the camera array.

[0011] Thus, the vehicle imaging station of the first aspect includes a camera array having at least two fields of view, one field of view that sees bright reflections when a vehicle passes through a passageway, and one field of view that sees dark reflections when a vehicle passes through a passageway. The inventors have discovered that the vehicle imaging station according to the first aspect of the present invention is capable of detecting scratches on vehicles with high accuracy. Scratches may be more visible in only one of the bright and dark fields of view, depending on the color of the vehicle and the color and / or depth of the scratch. Many vehicle and scratch combinations are only visible in one of the bright and dark fields of view. Thus, by providing relatively bright and relatively dark fields of view within a single vehicle imaging station, the vehicle imaging station according to the first aspect is capable of more accurately detecting scratches on vehicles than known vehicle imaging stations.

[0012] A second relatively bright reflective surface may be provided, the second relatively bright reflective surface being brighter than the relatively dark reflective surface. In such an embodiment, the camera array includes a third field of view that includes, encompasses, and / or encompasses a third portion of the channel space, wherein a second relatively bright image defined by the second relatively bright reflective surface will be reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path such that the second relatively bright image is visible to the camera array.

[0013] The second relatively bright reflective surface may be brighter than the first relatively bright reflective surface.

[0014] One or more of the relatively dark reflective surface, the relatively bright reflective surface, and / or the second relatively bright reflective surface, or all of them, may each comprise a non-reflective and non-illuminated surface. The inventors have discovered that the presence of a non-reflective and non-illuminated surface within the channel results in clearly visible scratches. The non-reflective and non-illuminated surface can be any surface that scatters light more than it reflects and is not a light source.

[0015] Each non-reflective and non-illuminated surface can be a plane, for example a substantially patternless surface. This can provide a blank reflected image to the camera array in which scratches on the vehicle can be easily observed.

[0016] Each non-reflective and non-illuminated surface may be planar or flat.

[0017] One or more, or all, of the relatively dark reflective surface, the relatively bright reflective surface, and / or the second relatively bright reflective surface may each comprise an illuminated surface. For example, in some embodiments, each surface may be illuminated, in some cases having three different brightness levels. In other embodiments, only one or two of the relatively bright reflective surfaces may comprise an illuminated surface, in some cases having different brightness levels.

[0018] In the case of providing a second relatively bright reflective surface, the second relatively bright reflective surface may include a structured light source. Thus, the structured light source is visible to the third field of view of the camera array as the vehicle passes through the channel, thereby enabling dents on the vehicle to be accurately recorded in the second relatively bright image.

[0019] A light source may be provided which may be distinct from the illuminated surface and which serves to direct light into the channel.

[0020] The camera array may include a single camera whose field of view includes a first field of view and a second field of view, and in some embodiments, a third field of view.

[0021] Alternatively, each field of view may be defined by a different camera of a camera array.In such an embodiment, the cameras of the camera array may be mounted between reflective surfaces.

[0022] The first and second fields of view and optionally the third field of view may define a first pair of vision zones arranged to together enable detection of scratches and optionally dents of a vehicle region (eg a roof, a side, a section of a vehicle).

[0023] The imaging station may include one or more additional vision zone pairs, wherein at least one vision zone pair may be mounted on an opposite side of the central axis of the vehicle path from the first vision zone pair, and / or one of the vision zone pairs may be mounted on a top wall surface of the tunnel facing the vehicle path to capture images of the vehicle roof. A series of more than five camera pairs may be mounted in series around the tunnel.

[0024] The side walls and top wall may be generally planar or flat, with the top wall extending perpendicular to the side walls to form a rectangular cross-section channel. Alternatively, the channel may have an arcuate or curved cross-section.

[0025] The ends of the side walls may define the opening and the outlet, ie the opening and the outlet may have substantially the same cross-sectional area as the rest of the channel.

[0026] The ends of the side walls can extend inwardly toward each other to define inclined end wall portions that define the inlet and outlet. This arrangement allows the central portion of the channel to have a larger cross-sectional area to accommodate equipment, while the inlet and outlet areas are relatively small to control the amount of light that can enter the channel.

[0027] Where an inclined end wall portion is provided, the structured light source may be mounted on or near the inner surface of the inclined end wall portion, thereby reducing the likelihood that a vehicle driver will see the structured light pattern when the vehicle enters the passage.

[0028] The entrance can be different from the exit, thereby forming a linear vehicle path between the entrance and exit. The entrance and exit can be aligned. The linear path can be straight to facilitate passage.

[0029] The imaging station may include one or more additional cameras configured to capture images of the front and / or rear of the vehicle, the underbody, and / or the wheels or tires. This may enable the system to capture the license plate number and / or record the condition of the wheels, tires, and underbody.

[0030] The imaging station may include a data processor or controller, such as a general purpose computer, an application specific integrated circuit, etc., configured to receive input from the camera and store it in computer memory and / or transmit it to a remote device.

[0031] The controller may execute a program configured to trigger the camera.The controller may be configured to trigger the camera in response to criteria such as input from one or more sensors and / or a time condition having been met.

[0032] The imaging stage may include one or more sensors coupled to the controller. For example, the imaging stage may include an acoustic transducer, such as a microphone, configured to detect engine noise; a proximity sensor configured to detect a vehicle approaching an opening; and / or a vehicle speed sensor, which the controller may use to synchronize the cameras to stitch images together to form a continuous image of part or all of the vehicle, or to adjust camera settings, such as shutter speed. In embodiments where the camera array consists of a single camera, the controller may be configured to stitch together the various fields of view of the individual cameras to form a continuous image of part or all of the vehicle.

[0033] The controller can execute a program to perform color matching, thereby adjusting the camera settings for the vehicle color.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle imaging station for capturing images of scratches and dents on a vehicle, the vehicle imaging station comprising:

[0035] a channel having an entrance and an exit, the channel having an enclosure defined between the entrance and the exit by one or more walls to define a channel space containing a vehicle path having a central axis;

[0036] a structured light source configured to direct structured light into a path of a vehicle to illuminate the vehicle in the path with a structured light image;

[0037] A single camera, wherein the camera is configured with:

[0038] a first field of view region comprising, including, and / or encompassing a structured light portion of a channel space in which a structured light image will be reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path such that the structured light image is visible to the single camera;

[0039] a second field of view region comprising, including, and / or encompassing an unstructured light portion of the corridor space in which a structured light image is not reflected so as to be visible to the single camera as the vehicle moves along the vehicle path; and

[0040] A non-reflective and non-illuminated surface within the channel, the non-reflective and non-illuminated surface being located on the same side of a central axis of the vehicle path as the camera.

[0041] The inventors have discovered that a vehicle imaging station according to the second aspect of the present invention is capable of detecting dents and scratches on a vehicle with high accuracy in a single pass. The channel controls the amount of optical noise present in the image captured by the camera. The structured light image generated by the structured light source enables the camera's first field of view to function as a dent detection camera. Since the vehicle's contours are known, observed deviations from the expected structured pattern indicate the presence of a dent. For example, the structured pattern can be a series of parallel light bands. The camera's second field of view functions as a scratch detection camera and is oriented to observe the unstructured light portion of the channel space, where a single camera cannot see direct reflections of the structured light source, which could otherwise adversely affect the ability to observe vehicle scratches. The inventors have discovered that even when the only light source in the channel is the structured light source, the presence of a non-reflective, non-illuminated surface in the channel can result in scratches being clearly visible. This non-reflective, non-illuminated surface can be any surface that scatters light more than it reflects and is not a light source.

[0042] Features (including optional features) of the first aspect may apply in a similar manner to the imaging table of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] By way of example only, certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a vehicle imaging station according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional profile of the channel shown;

[0046] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of an alternative channel cross section;

[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1Aa system diagram of a controller for the imaging table shown; and

[0048] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle imaging station according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] refer to Figure 1A and 1B A vehicle imaging station according to an embodiment of the present invention is generally shown at 10. The vehicle imaging station 10 is used to capture images of a vehicle 12 that can be used to identify damage in the form of scratches on an exterior panel or other surface of the vehicle.

[0050] The vehicle imaging station 10 is disposed about a vehicle path 14 , which may be any path suitable for the vehicle 12 to travel in a direction D. The path 14 is a linear path in the illustrated embodiment, but may take any other form in other embodiments.

[0051] The vehicle imaging station 10 includes a channel 16 arranged so that the vehicle path 14 can pass through the channel 16. In this embodiment, the channel has two generally planar side wall portions 16a, 16b that meet at the top of an orthogonally extending, generally planar top wall 16c to form a single structure. However, in other embodiments, the channel may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, Figure 1C The arch shown.

[0052] The passageway has an entrance 18 and an exit 20 through which vehicles can enter and exit the passageway. In this embodiment, the entrance and exit are located at opposite ends of the passageway to define a linear vehicle path having a central axis CA. However, in other embodiments, the passageway can have any suitable shape and can have any number of entrances and / or exits. In some cases, there can be only a single opening that serves as both an entrance and an exit.

[0053] The inventors have recognised that it can be difficult to register scratches in images of a vehicle captured by known vehicle imaging stations. The inventors have devised an improved arrangement that is capable of detecting scratches on a vehicle in a more accurate manner than known vehicle imaging stations.

[0054] The imaging station 10 includes a relatively bright reflective surface 22 and a relatively dark reflective surface 34. The term reflective surface may refer to a surface that is visible to at least one camera in the camera array when reflected by a vehicle 12 moving along the vehicle path. Brightness may be color and / or illumination.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, the relatively bright reflective surface 22 is a white panel, while the relatively dark reflective surface 34 is a gray panel. Both reflective surfaces 22, 34 are flat, non-reflective, and non-illuminated surfaces, such as matte surfaces without patterns. Therefore, the white panel 22 is brighter than the gray panel 34.

[0056] In other embodiments, one or both of the reflective surfaces 22, 34 can be an illuminated surface, such as a light box. In the case where both are illuminated surfaces, the illumination of one surface is brighter than the other.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the camera array has a first camera 26 and a second camera 30 , but in other embodiments, the camera array may include any number of cameras configured to detect damage to the vehicle 12 .

[0058] The first camera 26 has a first field of view 26 a that includes a first portion 28 of the corridor space in which a relatively bright image defined by the relatively bright reflective surface 22 will be reflected by the vehicle 12 moving along the vehicle path 14 such that the relatively bright image is visible to the camera 26 .

[0059] The second camera 30 has a second field of view 30 a that includes a second portion 38 of the corridor space in which a relatively dark image defined by the relatively dark reflective surface 36 will be reflected by the vehicle 12 moving along the vehicle path 14 , making the relatively dark image visible to the camera 30 .

[0060] The relatively dark image and the relatively light image together allow the scratch on the vehicle 12 to be more accurately imaged.

[0061] like Figure 1B and 1C As shown, multiple sets of cameras 26 , 30 may be positioned within the tunnel 16 and located on the side walls 16 a , 16 b and the top wall 16 c to form an arch so that the sides and top of the vehicle 12 may be imaged simultaneously.

[0062] Preferably, the cameras 26 , 30 are arranged so that each camera can only see a single one of the reflective surfaces 22 , 34 .

[0063] In use, a vehicle 12 enters the tunnel 16 through the entrance 18 and enters a first portion 28 of the tunnel space. A relatively bright image defined by the relatively bright reflective surface 22 will be reflected so as to be visible to the camera 26. The same portion of the vehicle 12 then enters a second portion 38 of the tunnel space. A relatively dark image defined by the relatively dark reflective surface 36 will be reflected so as to be visible to the camera 30. The reflection paths are shown at 24 and 32.

[0064] Additional references Figure 2 The imaging station 10 may also be equipped with a data processor or controller 42 , such as a general purpose computer, an application specific integrated circuit, etc., which is configured to receive input from the camera and store it in a computer memory 44 and / or transmit it to a remote device 46 .

[0065] The controller 42 may execute a program configured to trigger the cameras 26, 30. The controller 42 may be configured to trigger some or all of the cameras 26, 30, FC1, FC2, RC1, RC2 in response to criteria such as input from one or more sensors 48 and / or a temporal condition having been met.

[0066] The imaging station can also be configured with one or more sensors 48 coupled to the controller. For example, the imaging station 10 can include an acoustic transducer 48a, such as a microphone, configured to detect engine noise; a proximity sensor 48b for detecting a vehicle approaching an opening; and / or a vehicle speed sensor 48c, which can be used by the controller 42 to synchronize the cameras to stitch images together to form a continuous image of part or all of the vehicle, or to adjust camera settings, such as shutter speed.

[0067] The controller 42 can execute a program to perform color matching, thereby adjusting camera settings for the vehicle's color. Color matching can involve the camera sampling the color of the vehicle inside or outside the channel. The image is then processed to determine the vehicle's color. All cameras within the channel can be optimized for color contrast and brightness based on the vehicle's color to image that color. For example, if the system is imaging a white vehicle, the amount of reflected light is relatively large; however, for a black vehicle, the amount of reflected structured light is relatively small, meaning the image appears darker. Therefore, the imaging station can adjust the camera settings to accommodate this color variation.

[0068] An optional general light source 40, such as a light box, can be provided to provide general light for the channel 16. Increasing the amount of light within the channel 16 is advantageous because it reduces noise on the camera, which means the camera can fire faster and at a faster rate. Multiple general light sources can be provided within the channel to illuminate various sides of the vehicle. However, preferably, none of the general light sources should be directly visible to the cameras 26, 30 when imaging the vehicle.

[0069] Rear cameras RC1 , RC2 may be positioned at an entrance 18 of the tunnel and front cameras FC1 , FC2 may be positioned at an exit 20 of the tunnel 16 such that the cameras may capture images of the vehicle 12 as it enters and exits the tunnel space.

[0070] Figure 3A vehicle imaging station 50 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The vehicle imaging station 50 according to this embodiment is similar to the vehicle imaging station 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following description will focus on the differences therebetween. Corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals.

[0071] In this embodiment, the camera array is comprised of a single camera 52 having an overall field of view 52 a that includes a field of view in which the relatively bright panel 22 is reflected by the vehicle 12 and a second field of view in which the relatively dark panel 34 is reflected. The controller is configured to stitch together the various areas of the field of view of the single camera between images to form a continuous image of part or all of the vehicle.

[0072] The imaging station 50 also includes a dent detection camera 60 that is configured to observe reflections of a structured light source 64 on the vehicle 12 .

[0073] The structured light source 64 can be arranged to direct structured light 64a toward the vehicle path 14 to illuminate vehicles 12 on the path 14 with a structured light pattern (not shown). In this embodiment, the structured light source 64 extends upward from the vehicle path 14 along one sidewall 16a, through the top wall portion 16c, and downward along the opposite sidewall 16b, ultimately returning to the vehicle path 14 to form an arch of structured illumination. This arrangement enables the structured light pattern to be projected onto both sides and the top of the vehicle 12 as the vehicle 12 passes by the structured light source 64. The structured light source 64 is a beam array comprising a set of parallel LED light strips. The LED light strips extend from bottom to top along each beam array and through the top wall portion. For example, the LEDs can be ultra-bright cool white LED strips with a brightness of 2880 lumens per meter. In one example, a set of twenty LED light strips can be arranged in 14.2 mm wide grooves, spaced 16 mm apart, 9 mm deep, and provided with a 10 mm backing behind them. A translucent frosted diffuser (not shown) may be provided above each strip of LEDs to produce a flat light from each strip.

[0074] In other embodiments, the structured light sources 64 can have any suitable configuration to project structured light patterns onto one or more surfaces of the vehicle, and in some cases onto all exterior surfaces of the vehicle. For example, each light source can include a laser projector configured to project one or more light patterns.

[0075] like Figure 1B As shown, a plurality of dent detection cameras 60 may be positioned within the tunnel 16 , on the side walls 16 a , 16 b and the top wall 16 c to form an arch, thereby simultaneously imaging the sides and top of the vehicle 12 .

[0076] Each dent detection camera 60 can be configured with a field of view 68 that includes a structured light portion 64 a of the passageway space in which a structured light pattern will be reflected by a vehicle 12 moving along the vehicle path 14, making the structured light pattern visible to the dent detection camera 60. Thus, the dent detection camera 60 is positioned in the passageway 16 such that the dent detection camera's field of view 68 overlaps with the stripe pattern reflected from the vehicle 64 a. For example, the system can be calibrated for typical or expected vehicle profiles.

[0077] If the vehicle 12 has a dent on its body, the streak reflection will be distorted around the dent, for example, forming a circle-like shape in the reflection. The images captured by the dent detection camera 60 can then be used retrospectively to analyze whether the vehicle 12 had a dent at a certain point in time. Therefore, the dent detection camera's field of view 68 overlaps with the reflected streak image area 64 a on the vehicle 12.

[0078] In other embodiments, the functionality of the dent detection camera 60 may be provided by a single camera 52, i.e., it may include a field of view arranged to reflect the structured light source 64 through the vehicle 12. In such embodiments, a single scratch detection field of view may be provided, although this may adversely affect the ability to detect scratches on the vehicle 12.

[0079] In other embodiments, a dent detection camera 60 arranged to observe reflections of a structured light source 64 on the vehicle 12 may be incorporated into the imaging station 10 described with reference to FIG. 1 .

[0080] In any embodiment, the ends of the sidewalls can define an opening and an exit, i.e., the opening and exit can have approximately the same cross-sectional area as the rest of the passageway. Alternatively, the ends of the sidewalls can extend inwardly toward each other to define an inclined end wall portion that defines the entrance and exit. This arrangement allows the central portion of the passageway to have a larger cross-sectional area to accommodate equipment, while the entrance and exit each have a relatively smaller area to control the amount of light that can enter the passageway. Where an inclined end wall portion is provided, the structured light source can be mounted on or near the inner surface of the inclined end wall portion. This can reduce the likelihood that a vehicle driver will see the structured light pattern when the vehicle enters the passageway.

[0081] In any embodiment, the camera may include a scanning camera, such as one or more Hikvision (RTM) MV-CA050-10GC area scan cameras.

[0082] In any embodiment, the camera can be fixed to the channel so that the camera will follow the shape of the channel interior. Alternatively, the camera can be mounted on a dedicated mounting structure.

[0083] The vehicle imaging station may include a unique identifier capture system (not shown) for capturing and processing one or more images of a unique identifier associated with a vehicle imaged by the device. For example, the system may be arranged to capture a vehicle license plate number or chassis number as the vehicle passes through the lane.

[0084] Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Embodiments of the invention extend to arrangements with fewer than four scratch detection cameras, such as a single front plus rear camera, and the patterned portion need not be between non-patterned portions. The term "comprising" may mean "including" or "consisting of" and does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. The fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A vehicle imaging station for capturing images of vehicle scratches, comprising: a channel having an entrance and an exit, the channel having an enclosure defined between the entrance and the exit by one or more walls to define a channel space containing a vehicle path having a central axis; relatively bright reflective surfaces; relatively dark reflective surfaces; and A scratch detection camera array, the camera array comprising one or more cameras, the cameras being arranged with: a first field of view comprising a first portion of the corridor space in which a relatively bright image defined by the relatively bright reflective surface is reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path such that the relatively bright image is visible to the camera array; a second field of view comprising a second portion of the corridor space, wherein a relatively dark image defined by the relatively dark reflective surface is reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path such that the relatively dark image is visible to the camera array; Wherein, the vehicle imaging station further includes: a structured light source configured to direct structured light into a path of a vehicle to illuminate the vehicle in the path with a structured light image; and a dent detection camera distinct from the scratch detection camera array and arranged with a field of view that includes a structured light portion of the channel space in which the structured light image is reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path such that the structured light image is visible to the dent detection camera, The relatively bright reflective surface and the relatively dark reflective surface are different from the structured light source.

2. The vehicle imaging station of claim 1 , further comprising a second relatively bright reflective surface that is brighter than the relatively dark reflective surface; the camera array comprising a third field of view that includes a third portion of the channel space, wherein a second relatively bright image defined by the second relatively bright reflective surface is reflected by a vehicle moving along the vehicle path so that the second relatively bright image is visible to the camera array.

3. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 1, wherein: The second relatively bright reflective surface is brighter than the relatively bright reflective surface.

4. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the relatively dark reflective surface, the relatively bright reflective surface, and / or the second relatively bright reflective surface comprises a non-reflective and non-illuminated surface.

5. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 4, wherein: The non-reflective and non-illuminating surface is a planar surface.

6. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the relatively dark reflective surface, the relatively bright reflective surface, and / or the second relatively bright reflective surface comprises an illuminated surface.

7. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 1, wherein: The camera array includes a single camera, and the field of view of the single camera includes the first field of view and the second field of view.

8. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 1, wherein: Each field of view is defined by a different camera of the camera array.

9. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 1, wherein: The first field of view and the second field of view define a first vision zone pair, the first vision zone pair being arranged to jointly enable scratch detection of a vehicle area, and the imaging station includes one or more additional vision zone pairs, wherein at least one vision zone pair is mounted on the other side of the central axis of the vehicle path relative to the first vision zone pair, and / or one of the vision zone pairs is mounted on the top wall surface of the channel, facing the vehicle path, to capture images of the vehicle roof.

10. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle imaging station includes a controller configured to receive images from the camera and store the images in computer memory and / or transmit the images to a remote device.

11. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 10, wherein: The controller is configured to execute a program for triggering the camera in response to criteria including: input from one or more sensors and / or a temporal condition having been met.

12. The vehicle imaging station of claim 10, comprising one or more sensors coupled to the controller.

13. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 12, wherein: The sensors include an acoustic transducer configured to detect engine noise, a proximity sensor configured to detect a vehicle approaching an opening, and / or a vehicle speed sensor that the controller can use to synchronize the cameras to stitch images together to form a continuous image of part or all of the vehicle, or to adjust camera settings.

14. The vehicle imaging station according to claim 13, wherein: The sound transducer is a microphone.

15. The vehicle imaging station of claim 13, wherein: The camera settings include shutter speed.

16. The vehicle imaging station of claim 10, wherein: The controller is configured to execute a program to perform color matching to adjust camera settings for a vehicle color.

17. The vehicle imaging station of claim 1, wherein: The relatively light reflective surface and the relatively dark reflective surface each extend around the channel.

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