License Plate Recognition Error Detection Framework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current license plate recognition (LPR) systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to algorithm limitations, weather conditions, and sensor malfunctions, leading to costly and inefficient manual detection of faulty records, especially in large-scale city-wide systems.

Innovation Solution

A framework for automatic error detection and correction in recognition data, utilizing a confusion matrix trained with recognition data from multiple sensors to identify and correct erroneous records, reducing the need for manual review and improving sensor maintenance accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual detection of incorrect LPR records is used, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but labor cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service error detection by automatically comparing LPR records across multiple sensors and identifying inconsistencies without human intervention. The confusion matrix algorithm autonomously detects erroneous records by analyzing patterns across sensor data, allowing the system to correct its own errors rather than requiring manual review.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual review process with an automated computational system. Instead of humans manually checking records, the system uses algorithmic comparison of LPR data across sensors, substituting human cognitive processing with automated data processing mechanisms that achieve similar or superior detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual search through all LPR records is performed, then faulty sensors can be identified, but operational cost increases dramatically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor reliabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically identifying sensors that generate erroneous LPR records. The confusion matrix algorithm analyzes patterns across sensor data and flags problematic sensors without requiring manual investigation, enabling the system to monitor and maintain its own reliability autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors LPR records, compares them across sensors, and provides real-time information about sensor performance. This feedback loop allows operators to identify and address faulty sensors promptly, maintaining high reliability without manual search through all records.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If advanced LPR algorithms are used, then recognition accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the error detection function from the main LPR processing pipeline. Instead of making the recognition algorithm itself more complex, the system separates error detection into a distinct phase that uses confusion matrices and cross-sensor comparison. This segmentation allows advanced accuracy techniques in recognition while keeping the overall system architecture manageable through modular error detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10163038B2Error detection in recognition data
Publication Date: 2018.12.25 SAP SE
  • US10163038B2 patent drawing
  • US10163038B2 patent drawing
  • US10163038B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described herein is a descriptive framework to facilitate error detection in recognition data. In accordance with one aspect of the framework, at least one erroneous record is detected in a first set of recognition data. The framework may determine a correction of a first recognized identifier in the erroneous record by searching a second set of recognition data for a matching record with a second recognized identifier substantially similar to the first recognized identifier. A report may then be generated to present the detected erroneous record and the determined correction.