Mobile License Plate Detection via Perspective Correction
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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, applies filters based on image parameters like color temperature and motion, and provides alerts for improved image capture, enabling transmission of license plate data for refinancing offers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary traffic cameras are used to capture license plates, then accurate license plate imaging is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to different angles and distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static camera systems to mobile apparatuses that can dynamically adjust their position, angle, and distance relative to the license plate. The mobile device captures images from various perspectives and the system dynamically processes these images through perspective transformation and feature point matching to maintain accuracy despite changing capture conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including capture angle, distance from the license plate, and image orientation. By accepting variable parameters rather than requiring fixed conditions, the system can handle diverse capture scenarios while still extracting accurate license plate information through computational methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile apparatuses are used to capture license plates from various positions, then adaptability improves, but image quality and reading accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustments (physically positioning the camera at optimal angles and distances) with computational methods. Instead of requiring the mobile apparatus to be perfectly positioned, the system uses image processing algorithms including perspective transformation, feature point detection, and template matching to correct for positional variations and maintain reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary processing steps between the mobile capture and the final reading. This includes capturing multiple images from different positions, using feature point matching to identify license plate corners, applying perspective transformation to normalize the image, and then performing optical character recognition. These intermediary steps bridge the gap between variable capture conditions and accurate reading requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple object images are present in the capture, then the mobile apparatus can capture comprehensive scenes, but license plate detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex scene image into multiple regions of interest. The system first detects potential license plate locations using color, shape, and pattern recognition, then focuses processing resources on these specific segments rather than the entire image. This allows the system to handle comprehensive scenes with multiple objects while maintaining efficient license plate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality analysis by examining different regions of the image with different levels of detail. License plate regions are identified and processed with specialized algorithms optimized for character recognition, while other regions are processed more lightly. This localized approach enables the system to maintain high accuracy for license plate detection even when embedded in complex scenes with other objects.
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 diverse image capture conditions, facilitating vehicle-related activities like buying, selling, and financing by providing reliable and user-friendly refinancing options.
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 refinancing offer in response to the transmission.