Camera and Light Synchronization via GPS Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras face challenges in capturing high-quality images in low light conditions, requiring synchronized and precise illumination to ensure reliable image processing.
Innovation Solution
A traffic monitoring system comprising a camera system and a light system, both synchronized using high-precision GPS signals to control image capture and illumination frequencies, with adjustable exposure times and programmable delays to ensure consistent and optimal lighting for image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional lighting is provided in low light conditions, then image quality is improved, but synchronization precision between camera and lighting becomes more critical
Solution Approach 1:
A GPS receiver serves as an intermediary time reference source that provides precise timing signals to both the camera controller and lighting controller. This mediator enables synchronized operation of the camera and lighting systems without requiring direct communication between them, resolving the synchronization precision challenge while maintaining high illumination quality for image capture
2Measurement precision
If camera and lighting systems are synchronized using GPS signals, then timing precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the camera system and lighting system independently receive and process GPS timing signals to self-synchronize their operations. Each system has its own GPS receiver and controller that autonomously adjusts timing based on the GPS signal, eliminating the need for complex inter-system communication infrastructure while achieving precise synchronization
3Illumination intensity
If exposure time is increased to capture more light, then image quality in low light conditions is improved, but motion blur increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system operates in periodic pulsed mode, providing brief intense illumination bursts that are synchronized with the camera's exposure timing. This periodic lighting action allows the camera to capture sufficient light during the illuminated periods while maintaining short effective exposure times that minimize motion blur, thus improving both light capture capability and image sharpness
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A traffic monitoring system is provided. The traffic monitoring system comprises: a camera system configured to capture images of vehicles, the camera system comprising a first wireless time receiver configured to receive a wirelessly transmitted time signal; and a light system configured to selectively illuminate the vehicles, the light system being spaced apart from the camera system, wherein the light system comprises a second wireless time receiver configured to receive the wirelessly transmitted time signal such that the image capture by the camera system and the Illumination by the light system is synchronised.