Single Camera Multi-Lane Vehicle Gate Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle passage control systems face increased costs and detection failures when managing multiple lanes, as they require multiple sensors and cameras, leading to higher installation and maintenance costs, as well as reduced detection accuracy due to environmental noise and optical axis deviations.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that specifies the control target for each lane based on a single captured image, using a camera to detect vehicle positions and license plates, allowing for the control of multiple lanes with a single camera, reducing the need for multiple sensors and improving resistance to environmental noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors (loop coils or photoelectric sensors) are provided for each lane to detect vehicles and control gate opening/closing, then passage control of each lane can be performed, but manufacturing and operation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single camera is used to perform multiple functions: detecting vehicles, determining their lane positions, and providing information for controlling multiple gates. This multi-functional approach replaces the traditional one-sensor-one-lane configuration, reducing the total number of sensors while maintaining reliable passage control across all lanes
Solution Approach 2:
The detection and control functions for multiple lanes are merged into a single integrated system using one camera. Instead of having separate detection systems for each lane, the camera captures images of all lanes simultaneously, and the control device processes the information to determine vehicle positions and control appropriate gates, combining multiple functions into a unified system
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and sensors are installed for each lane, then detection coverage is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
One camera is designed to serve multiple lanes simultaneously, capturing images that contain information about vehicles in different lanes. This universal detection approach maintains measurement precision for vehicle detection while significantly reducing the number of cameras needed, thereby lowering installation and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional approach (one camera per lane) to a two-dimensional approach (one camera covering multiple lanes in a wide-angle view). By utilizing the spatial dimension more efficiently, the system achieves comprehensive detection coverage across multiple lanes without proportionally increasing the number of cameras
3Ease of operation
If photoelectric sensors are used for vehicle detection, then non-contact detection is achieved, but detection accuracy is reduced due to environmental noise and optical axis deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces photoelectric sensors with a camera-based vision system. The camera captures optical images that are processed to detect vehicle positions and characteristics. This substitution maintains non-contact detection capability while improving accuracy by using image processing algorithms that are less susceptible to environmental noise and optical axis deviations compared to photoelectric sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a specifying unit configured to specify, on the basis of a position of an object in a captured image, from a plurality of control targets, the control target to be controlled in accordance with the object.