Mobile License Plate Detection with Dynamic Image Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in accurately detecting and reading license plate information from images captured by mobile devices due to varying angles, distances, and ambient conditions, as well as the presence of other objects, which hinders applications such as law enforcement, vehicle sales, and insurance processes. Additionally, there is a need to obscure license plate information in public networks to protect personal data.

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 filter parameters based on color temperature, ambient light, and motion, and optionally obscures or replaces the plate information to prevent dissemination. The system includes a rendering module for user guidance and alerting when plate information cannot be recovered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If stationary traffic cameras are used to photograph license plates at specific locations, then accurate license plate reading is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to different angles, distances, or mobile conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelicense plate reading accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different capture conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static stationary cameras to mobile apparatuses that can capture images from varying angles and distances. The system dynamically adjusts capture parameters and processes images in real-time to maintain accuracy despite changing conditions such as motion, angle variations, and distance variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes parameters including image processing algorithms, detection thresholds, and recognition methods to adapt to different capture conditions. By modifying these parameters based on detected conditions (angle, distance, lighting), the system maintains high accuracy across diverse scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mobile apparatuses are used to capture images at various angles and distances, then adaptability is improved, but license plate detection accuracy deteriorates due to varying conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in capture scenariosVSAvoidlicense plate information detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where detected image characteristics (angle, distance, lighting conditions) are fed back to adjust processing parameters. This closed-loop approach enables real-time adaptation to maintain detection accuracy despite the flexibility and varying conditions of mobile capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing images to enhance license plate visibility and characteristics before main processing. This includes adjusting contrast, sharpening, and normalizing images to standard conditions, which prepares the data for more accurate recognition despite the original capture variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If license plate information is made visible in images, then information accessibility is improved, but personal privacy protection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of vehicle informationVSAvoidprivacy exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary information from the license plate image while leaving the rest obscured. By separating the useful data (registration number, state) from the identifying features, the system enables information accessibility for legitimate purposes while protecting privacy by removing or obscuring the extracted portion from public view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer between the raw image and the user. This intermediary processes the image to extract needed information while applying obscuration techniques, acting as a mediator that balances information accessibility with privacy protection by transforming the original image into a processed version.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 detection and reading of license plate information from diverse angles and conditions, improving user efficiency in vehicle-related activities and ensuring privacy by automatically obscuring or replacing plate data in public environments.

Implementation Method 1

an image sensor configured to convert an optical image into an electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10515285B2Method and apparatus for blocking information from an image

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 BLINKER INC

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.