Bollard Camera Mount Layout for Accurate Number Plate Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring car parks, particularly those with electric vehicle chargers, face challenges in effectively identifying vehicle number plates due to the use of large, expensive cameras that are not suitable for single bay monitoring and are often positioned incorrectly, leading to inefficiencies and increased range anxiety among EV drivers.
Innovation Solution
A camera mount system that allows for the flexible mounting of automatic number-plate recognition cameras within bollards at various positions, enabling optimal positioning for number plate detection and enabling the use of a single bollard to monitor multiple parking spaces with cameras oriented in different directions, including back-to-back configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large cameras are used to monitor parking areas, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the cost increases and the cameras are over-specified for single bay monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into multiple small cameras positioned at different locations (bollards) rather than using one large camera. Each small camera monitors a specific parking bay, and collectively they cover the entire parking area. This segmentation reduces the cost of each individual camera while achieving the required monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a top-down monitoring approach (large camera on high pole) to a distributed ground-level monitoring approach (multiple small cameras on bollards). This dimensional change allows each camera to be optimally positioned for its specific monitoring zone, improving detection accuracy for number plates while reducing overall system cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If cameras are fitted inside EV chargers, then the infrastructure cost is reduced, but the number plate identification effectiveness decreases when cars are not in the correct position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable camera mounts on bollards that allow the cameras to be dynamically positioned and angled to track and follow vehicles as they move into parking bays. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures the camera maintains optimal positioning for number plate recognition regardless of the vehicle's initial position or movement, overcoming the static limitation of cameras fixed inside EV chargers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bollards as intermediary structures between the EV chargers and the cameras. The bollards provide optimal mounting positions for cameras at ground level, closer to the vehicles, while the chargers remain in their fixed positions. This intermediary placement allows cameras to achieve better viewing angles for number plate recognition without requiring the chargers themselves to house the cameras.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single camera is used per bollard, then the cost is reduced, but the ability to monitor multiple parking spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the bollard-camera system with universal mounting capabilities that allow a single bollard to accommodate multiple cameras oriented in different directions. The adjustable mounting mechanism enables one bollard to serve multiple parking bays by repositioning cameras as needed, making the system versatile and adaptable to various monitoring requirements without requiring additional bollards for each camera.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides effective and cost-efficient monitoring of car park spaces, improving the accuracy of number plate recognition and reducing the need for multiple cameras, thereby alleviating range anxiety and optimizing the use of EV charging infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
the first window is configured to transmit light having an infrared wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the second window is configured to transmit light having an infrared wavelength
Data Source
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.