Vehicle Distance Measurement Using Synchronized Image Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle distance measurement systems in traffic technology require high manual effort and personnel for data evaluation, and are cumbersome to install and calibrate, limiting automation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A procedure using a light-sensitive camera to record one-dimensional image columns, synchronizing the sequence to determine the time difference between vehicles, with automated evaluation to identify vehicle rear and front positions, allowing for efficient calculation of temporal and spatial distances between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If video cameras are placed on bridges to measure bridge spacing and observe vehicles on a section of 300 meters, then distance measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical installation systems with a simplified optical-mechanical integration. The camera is directly mounted on the bridge structure itself, eliminating the need for separate support frameworks, complex calibration equipment, and elaborate installation procedures. The bridge structure serves as both the measurement target and the mounting platform, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If manual post-processing is used to evaluate distance violation data, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity and automation level decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated image processing algorithms that automatically analyze the captured video data, identify vehicle positions, calculate distances, and detect violations without requiring manual intervention. The system processes and evaluates data autonomously, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity and eliminating the need for manual post-processing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are installed and calibrated for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and installation simplicity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration complexity from the installation process by using the bridge structure's known geometric properties and fixed camera mounting positions to automatically establish measurement parameters. The system derives calibration data from the inherent characteristics of the bridge infrastructure itself, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures, reference objects, or complex setup steps, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining measurement precision.
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 significantly reduces manual effort, enhances automation in data evaluation, and simplifies installation by enabling precise and efficient measurement of vehicle distances with minimal personnel and equipment calibration, improving traffic surveillance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light-sensitive sensor for recording a sequence of a lane with at least a part of a first vehicle and part of a second vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and arrangement for determining a distance between a first vehicle moving along a lane and a second vehicle, wherein the second vehicle immediately follows the first vehicle in the same lane, wherein a sequence of image columns is recorded with a light-sensitive sensor, wherein the sequence includes at least a part of the first vehicle and a part of the second vehicle, and wherein a time is assigned to each image column of the sequence.