Dual-Wavelength Infrared LPR Camera Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras face challenges with poor lighting conditions, such as at night or in inclement weather, and issues with license plates having insufficient contrast between alphanumeric characters and the background, even with infrared illumination.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses two infrared light sources emitting at different wavelengths to capture images of a license plate, allowing the camera module to determine which wavelength provides better recognition and adjust accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a single infrared wavelength is used to illuminate the license plate, then power consumption is reduced, but recognition accuracy deteriorates under adverse lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different infrared wavelengths (785nm and 850nm) based on environmental conditions. The controller selects the appropriate wavelength in real-time to optimize both power consumption and recognition accuracy for the current lighting scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of infrared wavelength to adapt to different lighting conditions. By using multiple wavelengths (785nm and 850nm) instead of a fixed wavelength, the system can optimize illumination effectiveness while managing power consumption across varying environmental conditions.
2Measurement precision
If infrared illumination is used to improve license plate visibility, then recognition accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic illumination strategies where infrared LEDs are activated only when needed based on ambient light detection. The controller periodically assesses lighting conditions and activates illumination selectively, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining recognition accuracy when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time environmental conditions. The controller activates specific infrared wavelengths only when recognition accuracy would otherwise deteriorate, creating a dynamic balance between power consumption and recognition performance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple infrared wavelengths are captured and compared, then recognition accuracy under adverse conditions improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the infrared spectrum into distinct wavelength channels (785nm and 850nm) with dedicated LEDs and image capture sequences. By dividing the illumination task into separate wavelength segments, the system can compare their effectiveness without requiring simultaneous complex multi-wavelength processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from captured images to determine which wavelength provides better contrast and recognition. The system analyzes the captured images, compares recognition quality across wavelengths, and uses this feedback to select the optimal wavelength for subsequent captures, simplifying the overall decision-making process.
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 approach significantly improves the power efficiency of LPR cameras while enhancing the accuracy of license plate recognition under adverse lighting conditions by optimizing the infrared wavelength for better contrast.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source for generating infrared light at a first wavelength... a second light source for generating infrared light at a second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a first light emitting diode (LED) for generating infrared light at a first wavelength... a second light emitting diode (LED) for generating infrared light at a second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system may include a first light source for generating infrared light at a first wavelength. The system and method may include a second light source for generating infrared light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The system and method may also include a camera module for activating the first infrared light source to capture a first image of an object with the first infrared light source. The camera system may determine if a second image of the object is needed using the second light source. The camera system may then capture a second image of the object with the second infrared light source if the camera system determines that the second image of the object is needed. The system may further include a motion detector for detecting motion of the object. The object may comprise a license plate of a vehicle.