Adjustable Bollard Camera Mount for Number Plate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bollard-based camera systems for monitoring and enforcing parking regulations are unsuitable for single car parking bays due to their large size, high cost, and inability to adjust camera height for optimal number plate detection, which leads to inefficiencies in identifying vehicles and enforcing parking rules, especially in varied terrains and vehicle types.
Innovation Solution
A bollard with a camera mount system that allows the camera to be adjusted vertically and positioned optimally for number plate detection, enabling effective monitoring and enforcement in different configurations and vehicle types, while also allowing multiple cameras to be mounted within a single bollard for efficient space use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large cameras are used to monitor parking areas, then monitoring coverage is improved, but cost increases and the system becomes over-specified for single bay monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different camera specifications for different monitoring needs. Small cameras with appropriate lenses are used for single bay monitoring where only number plate detection is required, while larger cameras are reserved for areas requiring broader coverage. This localized optimization avoids over-specification in single bay applications.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are fitted inside EV chargers, then space is saved, but number plate identification effectiveness decreases when cars are not in exact positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the camera position adjustable rather than fixed inside the EV charger. The camera can be vertically and horizontally repositioned to achieve optimal viewing angles for number plate detection, accommodating variations in car parking positions while maintaining compact space utilization.
3Ease of manufacture
If camera height is fixed in traditional bollard systems, then installation is simplified, but adaptability to varied terrains and vehicle types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the camera height and angle to be varied. This enables adaptation to different terrain conditions (slopes, raised grounds) and different vehicle types (cars, trucks, buses) while maintaining a relatively simple bollard structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional mounting system that can accommodate various camera positions and angles within a single bollard structure. This universal design allows the same bollard to effectively monitor different terrains and vehicle types without requiring multiple specialized installations.
4Measurement precision
If multiple bollards are deployed to monitor different areas, then monitoring coverage is improved, but space occupation and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple camera functions within a single bollard structure. Multiple cameras can be mounted on the same bollard at different positions and angles, allowing one bollard to perform the monitoring function that would otherwise require multiple separate bollards, thereby reducing space occupation and installation cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera mount for mounting a camera within a bollard at one of a plurality of positions. A bollard for holding a first camera within its interior at one of a plurality of first positions.