Vehicle Imaging Timing Using Velocity and Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ETC systems struggle to accurately capture images of vehicles moving at high velocities without framing out the objects, leading to issues such as low resolution and hidden license plates, especially at night or in close proximity to other vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that combines a sensor to measure velocity and a camera, controlled by a processing circuit to determine appropriate imaging timing based on velocity, position, and measurement timing, ensuring clear capture of moving objects without framing out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fixed threshold velocity method is used to trigger imaging, then high velocity vehicles can be captured, but imaging timing accuracy deteriorates causing framed-out objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter basis for imaging trigger from fixed velocity threshold to dynamically calculated imaging timing based on measured velocity and position. The processing circuit calculates when to activate the camera shutter based on real-time velocity measurements and predicted object position, transforming a static threshold system into a dynamic timing system that adapts to varying vehicle speeds and distances.
2Device complexity
If imaging is performed without velocity measurement, then system complexity is reduced, but imaging quality deteriorates due to framed-out objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring velocity and calculating imaging timing in advance before the actual imaging moment. The sensor continuously measures object velocity, and the processing circuit pre-calculates the precise timing for camera activation based on predicted object position and velocity, ensuring the object is properly framed when the shutter opens.
3Measurement precision
If multiple vehicle detectors are installed for multiple determination criteria, then vehicle recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single sensor universal by using it for multiple functions: velocity measurement, position tracking, and imaging timing control. The same sensor that measures velocity also provides data for calculating object position and determining optimal imaging timing, eliminating the need for separate detectors for each function and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-criteria vehicle recognition accuracy.
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 clear imaging of vehicles moving at high velocities, including license plates and drivers, by accurately determining imaging timing, improving resolution and avoiding occlusion by other vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that measures a velocity of a moving object
Implementation Method 2
a camera that is different from the sensor and images the object
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a sensor that measures a velocity of a moving object, a camera that is different from the sensor and images the object, and a processing circuit that controls the operations of the sensor and the camera, wherein the processing circuit causes the sensor to generate velocity information on the object and measurement timing information on the velocity by causing the sensor to measure the velocity of the object, generates control data, including imaging timing information on the camera, in accordance with (a) position information on the object or distance information on the object at a time of velocity measurement, (b) the velocity information, and (c) the measurement timing information, and causes the camera to output, in response to the control data, image data including image information on the object.