Mobile License Plate Detection via Dynamic Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in accurately detecting and reading license plate information from images captured by mobile devices due to varying angles, distances, and the presence of other objects, making it difficult to scale license plate image capture processes used by law enforcement to mobile apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus equipped with an image sensor and a license plate detector that processes optical images to recover license plate information, transmit it to a remote server, and provide user input to post vehicle configuration information to an external website, while also applying filter parameters based on color temperature, ambient light, and motion to assist in image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary traffic cameras are used to capture license plates, then accurate license plate reading is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to different angles and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static stationary cameras to mobile apparatuses that can dynamically change positions, angles, and distances. The system uses image processing algorithms that adapt to dynamic capture conditions, enabling accurate license plate recognition regardless of the mobile device's position or orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by adjusting image capture and processing parameters to accommodate varying angles and distances. The system modifies detection parameters based on the mobile apparatus's position, allowing accurate license plate extraction even when captured at oblique angles or varying distances from the plate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile apparatuses are used to capture license plates, then adaptability to different angles and distances is improved, but license plate information recovery accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task by first detecting and isolating the license plate region from the broader image, then extracting and processing only the relevant license plate information. This segmentation approach enables accurate information recovery even when the overall image is captured at various angles and distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary image processing algorithms that act as a mediator between the mobile apparatus's variable capture conditions and the requirement for accurate license plate reading. These intermediaries transform and normalize the captured images to standard formats suitable for accurate recognition despite varying capture parameters.
3Reliability
If manual camera installation and configuration is performed, then consistent license plate capture is achieved, but system complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the mobile apparatus to automatically detect, capture, and process license plate images without requiring manual camera installation or configuration. The system autonomously adjusts parameters and executes the capture process, eliminating the need for complex manual setup while maintaining reliable capture consistency.
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 efficient and accurate recovery of license plate information from images taken at different angles and distances, allowing for seamless vehicle-related activities such as buying, selling, and financing, by providing a user-friendly interface for capturing and processing license plate data.
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, receive vehicle configuration information for a vehicle corresponding to the vehicle license plate in response to the transmission, and receive user input to post the vehicle configuration information to an external website.