Mobile License Plate Detection for Vehicle Financing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for capturing license plate information from images, especially using mobile apparatuses, face challenges due to varying angles, distances, and the presence of other objects, making it difficult to achieve accurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus equipped with an image sensor and a license plate detector that processes optical images to recover license plate information, including features like image filtering, dewarping, and OCR, to transmit the data for vehicle financing offers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary traffic camera is used to capture license plate images, then the camera can consistently photograph license plates at a specific angle and location, but the camera cannot capture images from different angles and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a stationary camera system to a mobile imaging apparatus that can dynamically change its position, angle, and distance relative to the license plate. The mobile device captures images at various orientations and distances, and the system dynamically adjusts processing parameters to maintain reliability across different capture conditions.
2Measurement precision
If manual installation and configuration of traffic cameras is required, then the camera can be properly positioned for specific locations, but the process is complex and cannot be easily scaled to mobile apparatuses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the mobile imaging apparatus to automatically detect and process license plate images without requiring manual installation or configuration. The mobile device uses its own sensors and processing capabilities to autonomously capture, identify, and transmit license plate information, eliminating the need for complex setup procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile apparatuses are used to capture license plate images at various angles and distances, then adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring license plate information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a remote server as a mediator between the mobile imaging apparatus and the license plate detection process. The mobile device captures images and transmits them to the remote server, which performs the complex detection, recognition, and measurement of license plate information using specialized processing algorithms and databases.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple object images are present in the captured image, then the mobile apparatus can capture real-world scenes, but the difficulty of isolating and processing the license plate image increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by enabling the system to identify and separate the license plate image from other objects in the captured scene. The remote server processes the transmitted image to extract the license plate region, isolating it from surrounding objects and background, then performs recognition and measurement only on the extracted license plate portion.
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
Enables accurate and efficient capture of license plate information from diverse angles and conditions, facilitating vehicle-related activities like buying, selling, and financing by providing reliable data for vehicle identification and financing offers.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to convert an optical image into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects of the invention relate to a mobile apparatus including an image sensor configured to convert an optical image into an electrical signal. The optical image includes an image of a vehicle license plate. The mobile apparatus includes a license plate detector configured to process the electrical signal to recover information from the vehicle license plate image. The mobile apparatus includes an interface configured to transmit the vehicle license plate information to a remote apparatus and receive a vehicle financing offer in response to the transmission.