Monocular Camera Vehicle Height Profile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring vehicle height profiles while in motion, such as using laser scanners or stereoscopic cameras, are complex and costly, requiring extensive calibration and multiple sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a monocular camera positioned above the road to capture sequential images of passing vehicles, analyzing optical flow to generate a height profile without the need for additional sensors or complex calibration, leveraging the principle of 'depth from motion' to derive depth information from the movement of vehicle points relative to the camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser scanners are used to measure vehicle height profiles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laser scanning systems with a camera-based optical system. Instead of using laser scanners that require mechanical components and complex calibration, the invention uses a camera to capture images and derives height profile information through image processing and optical flow analysis, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the vehicle through camera imaging rather than direct mechanical measurement. By capturing images from multiple viewpoints and processing them computationally, the system reconstructs the vehicle's height profile without requiring physical contact or complex measurement hardware
2Measurement precision
If stereoscopic camera systems are used to measure vehicle height profiles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of depth measurement from complex stereoscopic calibration systems. By using a single camera and analyzing optical flow between sequential images, the system derives depth information without requiring the complex inter-camera calibration that traditional stereoscopic systems need, simplifying the device while preserving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own motion and the camera's temporal sequence to self-determine depth relationships. Through optical flow analysis of the vehicle's movement between frames, the system automatically calculates height profile information without external calibration references or additional sensor coordination
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure vehicle height profiles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single camera perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate sensors. The camera captures both 2D image data and, through optical flow analysis of sequential images, derives 3D depth information, effectively replacing multiple specialized sensors with one multi-functional device that reduces system complexity
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
This approach simplifies vehicle height profile measurement by using a single camera, eliminating the need for costly sensors and complex calibration, providing accurate 2.5D or 2D height profiles with self-scaling options based on vehicle speed, suitable for classification and tolling systems.
Implementation Method 1
recording at least a first image of the passing vehicle by means of the camera at a first moment in time, recording at least a second image of the passing vehicle by means of the camera at a second moment in time
Implementation Method 2
generating a movement vector image of the vehicle from an analysis of the optical flow between the first and the second image, creating the height profile of the vehicle from the movement vector image
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring a height profile of a vehicle passing on a road, said method comprising the following steps: directing a monocular camera from a point above the road onto the road with an angle of aperture that captures a section of the road from above, recording at least a first image of the passing vehicle by the camera at a first moment in time, recording at least a second image of the passing vehicle by the camera at a second moment in time, generating a movement vector image of the vehicle from an analysis of the optical flow between the first and the second image, and creating the height profile of the vehicle from the movement vector image.