Single Camera Dynamic Image Capture for License Plate Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy and contrast enhancement due to varying environmental and plate conditions, leading to recognition errors, especially when license plates use the same color for characters and background, and require multiple camera systems to handle different spectrums and illumination levels.
Innovation Solution
A single camera system with a dual-band filter and adjustable illumination, capable of capturing and processing images in near-IR and visible spectrums, allows for dynamic image capture and processing by alternating exposure times and using narrow band-pass filters to enhance contrast and reduce the need for multiple cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple camera systems are used to handle different spectrums and illumination levels, then recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera systems into a single camera that can capture images in both near-IR and visible spectrums. The optical sensor is configured to receive light across multiple spectrum ranges, and the processor alternates between capturing near-IR images and visible light images based on illumination conditions, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining recognition accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system performs multiple functions by capturing images in different spectrums (near-IR and visible). The optical sensor is designed to be sensitive to both near-IR and visible light, allowing the same hardware to handle various illumination conditions and spectrum requirements that previously required separate dedicated cameras.
2Device complexity
If a single camera system captures both near-IR and visible light images, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize for specific functions like LPR and motion detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between capturing near-IR images and visible light images based on the specific function being performed and illumination conditions. The processor determines which spectrum to capture in real-time, allowing the single camera to be optimized for different functions (LPR, motion detection) as needed without requiring permanent multi-spectrum hardware for all functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor's sensitivity parameters are changed based on the capture function. The processor configures the sensor to be sensitive to near-IR light when capturing LPR images and to visible light when capturing motion detection images, thereby adapting the single camera system to different functional requirements through parameter changes rather than hardware changes.
3Measurement precision
If alternating exposure times are used for near-IR and visible light capture, then contrast enhancement is improved, but processing time and system response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic alternating exposure times to capture near-IR and visible light images in a sequential manner. The processor alternates between capturing near-IR images during one exposure period and visible light images during another exposure period, creating a periodic capture cycle that enhances contrast while managing processing time through structured temporal separation of capture operations.
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 improves recognition accuracy by optimizing image capture and processing settings for specific functions like LPR and motion detection, reducing hardware requirements and costs, while maintaining high contrast and reducing errors in license plate recognition.
Implementation Method 1
A single camera system with a dual-band filter and adjustable illumination, capable of capturing and processing images in near-IR and visible spectrums
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor configured with a first set of capture parameters... receives a first video stream... captured via the optical sensor
Implementation Method 3
A single camera system with a dual-band filter and adjustable illumination, capable of capturing and processing images in near-IR and visible spectrums
Implementation Method 4
using narrow band-pass filters to enhance contrast
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for dynamic image capture and processing. In one implementation, a processing device receives a first video stream, the first video stream being captured via an optical sensor configured with a first set of capture parameters. The processing device processes the first video stream with a first set of processing parameters. The processing device receives a second video stream, the second video stream being captured via the optical sensor configured with a second set of capture parameters. The processing device processes the second video stream with a second set of processing parameters. The processing device provides an output based on at least one of (a) the first video stream, as processed, or (b) the second video stream, as processed.