Multiple Resolution Camera System for ALPR and ICV Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing first-responder vehicle camera systems face challenges in efficiently processing high-resolution images from wide-field cameras, as current technologies lack the necessary processing electronics and algorithms to support high-definition video for both Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) and In-Car Video (ICV) systems, leading to incompatible resolutions and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-resolution camera system that includes a high-resolution camera imager and a signal processing module to produce both reduced-area high-resolution and wide-area low-resolution image streams, allowing for virtual camera views with different resolutions and views, which can be used by ALPR and ICV systems without the need for physical camera repositioning, thereby integrating multiple functions into a single camera system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single high-resolution wide-field camera is used for both ALPR and ICV functions, then the number of cameras is reduced and space is saved, but the processing electronics and algorithms cannot currently support high-definition video for both functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-resolution wide-field image into multiple virtual camera views with different resolutions and fields of view. A signal processing module divides the single high-resolution image stream into separate streams for ALPR (high-resolution narrow field) and ICV (lower-resolution wide field), enabling one camera to serve multiple functions without overwhelming processing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single camera system perform multiple functions by creating virtual camera views from one physical camera. The same camera imager provides both ALPR and ICV functionality through software-based image segmentation and resolution adjustment, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cameras for each function
2Device complexity
If multiple separate cameras are used for ALPR and ICV functions, then processing requirements are manageable, but space requirements increase and system integration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera functions into a single physical camera system. By combining ALPR and ICV capabilities in one camera with a unified processing module that generates multiple virtual views, the system reduces the number of physical components while maintaining functional separation through software-based image processing
3Loss of information
If high-resolution images are processed for the entire wide field, then complete image information is available, but data processing load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different resolution qualities to different regions of the image. The signal processing module creates high-resolution narrow-field views for ALPR where detailed license plate information is needed, and lower-resolution wide-field views for ICV where overall scene context is more important than fine detail, optimizing processing load while maintaining necessary information quality
Data Source
AI summary
An in-car multiple-resolution camera system for first responder vehicles includes a high-resolution camera imager for capturing images in high resolution and outputting the same in a first high-resolution image output stream. A signal processing module is provided for processing the first high-resolution image output stream and producing (1) a reduced-area high-resolution image output stream containing image information for only a selected portion or portions of the original image and (2) a wide-area low-resolution image output stream. The wide-area low-resolution image output stream can represent the full image, if desired. An event recorder is provided for recording the events imaged by the camera imager using the wide-image low-resolution image output stream. A license plate recognition system is provided for using the reduced-area high-resolution image output stream to capture and process images of vehicle license plates nearby.