Mobile License Plate Detector for Vehicle Value Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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 derive accurate license plate data for vehicle-related activities such as buying, selling, and financing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus equipped with an image sensor and a license plate detector that processes optical images to recover license plate information, applying filters based on color temperature, ambient light, and motion, and transmits this data to a remote server for further processing, including OCR, to provide an estimated vehicle value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary traffic cameras are used to capture license plate images, then accurate license plate reading is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to different angles, distances, or mobile scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static stationary cameras to a dynamic mobile apparatus that can capture images at various angles, distances, and positions. The mobile apparatus processes images to identify license plates regardless of the capture scenario, enabling the system to adapt to different environments while maintaining reading accuracy through dynamic image processing and recognition algorithms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile apparatuses are used to capture images at various angles and distances, then adaptability is improved, but license plate information recovery becomes difficult due to varying image quality and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the mobile apparatus analyzes image quality and license plate detection results in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system can request retakes or adjust processing parameters to ensure accurate license plate information recovery, maintaining high measurement precision despite the flexibility of mobile capture scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes processing parameters such as image threshold values, recognition algorithms, and detection sensitivity based on the captured image's characteristics (lighting conditions, angle, distance). This allows the system to maintain accurate license plate information recovery across varying capture conditions by adapting the processing parameters to match the specific image properties.
3Measurement precision
If manual camera configuration is required for stationary cameras, then accurate license plate capture is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile apparatus performs self-configuration and automatic license plate detection without requiring manual camera setup or configuration. The system automatically identifies license plates in captured images through integrated detection algorithms, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining capture accuracy. Users simply point the mobile apparatus at the license plate, and the system processes the image automatically.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple object images are present in the capture scene, then the mobile apparatus can capture diverse scenes, but license plate detection becomes more difficult among multiple objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the captured image into multiple regions of interest, automatically identifying and isolating the license plate area from other objects in the scene. By dividing the complex scene into manageable segments and focusing detection algorithms on the identified license plate regions, the system can accurately detect and measure license plate information even when multiple objects are present in the capture scene.
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 recovery of license plate information from images taken at different angles and distances, improving the ability to gather valuable vehicle data for various activities without the need for manual configuration or stationary cameras.
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 an estimated value for a vehicle corresponding to the vehicle license plate in response to the transmission.