Video Tracking for Vehicle Location Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large parking facilities, vehicle owners face difficulties in locating their parked vehicles due to the complexity of alphanumeric sectioning, and existing methods require additional location information or manual searching.

Innovation Solution

The method employs automatic number plate recognition using video image-based object tracking, linking the recognized number plate to identification information, and displaying the vehicle's location upon request, optionally using existing surveillance systems and parking ticket integration for convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If alphanumeric sectioning is used to divide the parking facility, then the parking facility can be organized into manageable sections, but the vehicle owner must remember and provide additional location information to find their vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparking facility organizationVSAvoidvehicle location retrieval
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically tracks and records the location of vehicles using video image-based object tracking, eliminating the need for owners to manually note location information. The system serves itself by autonomously capturing, processing, and storing vehicle location data without requiring user intervention or memory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A database serves as an intermediary between the video tracking system and the vehicle owner. The database stores the relationship between number plates and locations, allowing owners to query their vehicle location through simple number plate entry without needing to understand or remember the complex alphanumeric sectioning system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If video image-based object tracking is implemented, then automatic vehicle location determination is achieved, but additional infrastructure and processing requirements are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle identification and location determinationVSAvoidsystem infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The video surveillance system performs multiple functions: it monitors security, captures images for analysis, and determines vehicle locations. By making the existing surveillance infrastructure multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated tracking hardware while still achieving automatic vehicle location determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the vehicle's location information by capturing images and extracting number plate and position data. This digital representation allows the system to store and retrieve location information without physically moving or manipulating the actual vehicles or parking spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If the parking facility uses existing surveillance systems for tracking, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but the surveillance system must be enhanced for additional tracking functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation costVSAvoidsurveillance system functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The surveillance system is enhanced dynamically by adding image processing and analysis capabilities to existing hardware. The system can adapt its functionality to perform vehicle tracking, number plate recognition, and location determination through software enhancements rather than complete system replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2102837B1Location of a motor vehicle in a car park
Publication Date: 2010.09.01 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2102837B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention permits the recording and display of the parking bay of a motor vehicle in a car park, such that a vehicle owner can easily find his motor vehicle. A video image analysis is carried out by means of which the number plate of the motor vehicle can be allocated to the relevant parking bay of the motor vehicle.