WO2002086805A1

WO2002086805A1 - Identifying objects carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number

Info

Publication number: WO2002086805A1
Application number: PCT/IB2002/001206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrik Albertus Cronje
Original assignee: I.T. Vision Solutions (Proprietary) Limited
Priority date: 2001-04-19
Filing date: 2002-04-15
Publication date: 2002-10-31

Abstract

A device (50) for identifying objects carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number includes at least one man-portable imaging unit (12) for capturing an optical image of the alphabetic and/or numerical identification number of the object, the imaging unit optionally including processing means (64) to process the optical image captured in order to recognise the captured identification number, and a processing unit (14) housed separately from the imaging unit but being in communication with the imaging unit. The processing unit (14) includes database storage means (28) for storing a database comprising the identification number of at least one object which it is desired to identify, and processing means (32) configured (i) optionally, to process the optical image captured by the imaging unit in order to recognise the captured identification number if the imaging unit does not perform this function, and (ii) to compare the recognised identification number with the identification numbers in the database, thereby to identify the object.

Description

IDENTIFYING OBJECTS CARRYING AN ALPHABETIC AND/OR NUMERICAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

THIS INVENTION relates to identifying objects carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number. In particular, the invention relates to a device for identifying objects carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number, and to a device for identifying a vehicle.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for identifying objects carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number, the device including at least one man-portable imaging unit for capturing an optical image of the alphabetic and/or numerical identification number of the object, the imaging unit optionally including processing means to process the optical image captured in order to recognise the captured identification number; and a processing unit housed separately from the imaging unit but being in communication with the imaging unit, the processing unit including database storage means for storing a database comprising the identification number of at least one object which it is desired to identify; and processing means configured (i) optionally, to process the optical image captured by the imaging unit in order to recognise the captured identification number if the imaging unit does not perform this function, and (ii) to compare the recognised identification number with the identification numbers in the database, thereby to identify the object.

The processing means may be configured to generate an alarm signal if the recognised identification number corresponds with any identification number in the database. The processing unit and/or the imaging unit may thus include alarm means, e.g. an audible alarm responsive to the alarm signal, to indicate when the recognised identification number corresponds with any identification number in the database.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for identifying a vehicle, the device including at least one man-portable imaging unit for capturing an optical image of a vehicle registration number plate carried by a vehicle, the imaging unit optionally including processing means to process the optical image captured in order to recognise the captured identification number; and a processing unit housed separately from the imaging unit but being in communication with the imaging unit, the processing unit comprising database storage means for storing a database comprising the vehicle registration number of at least one vehicle which it is desired to identify; and processing means configured (i) optionally, to process the optical image captured by the imaging unit in order to recognise the captured vehicle registration number if the imaging unit does not perform this function, (ii) to compare the recognised vehicle registration number with vehicle registration numbers in the database, and (iii) to generate an alarm signal if the recognised vehicle registration number corresponds with the vehicle registration number of any vehicle in the database which it is desired to identify.

The processing unit and/or the imaging unit of the device in accordance with the second aspect of the invention may include alarm means, e.g. an audible alarm, responsive to the alarm signal, to indicate when the recognised vehicle registration number corresponds with the vehicle registration number of any vehicle in the database which it is desired to identify.

The imaging unit may include a camera and a zoom lens, e.g. a 6 mm to 72 mm lens which may be motorized. The camera may be a digital video camera or a digital still camera. Instead, the camera may be an analogue video camera and the processing unit may in this case include a frame grabber. In one embodiment of the invention, the camera and the lens are an integral unit with a CCD colour detector and automatic lens focussing capabilities. The camera may include one or more optical filters.

The imaging unit may include a hand grip and a manual trigger, the imaging unit being configured, on triggering of the manual trigger, to transmit an optical image of the identification/registration number from the imaging unit to the processing unit.

Instead, when the imaging unit includes a hand grip and a manual trigger and said processing means, the processing means may be configured, on triggering of the manual trigger, to process the optical image captured in order to recognise the captured identification/registration number and to send the recognised identification/registration number to the processing unit.

The imaging unit may include an aiming device, e.g. a laser pointer, for assisting in aiming the imaging unit at an identification or registration number to be captured. The aiming device may be activated and deactivated by the manual trigger.

The processing unit may include a power source, such as a battery. Instead, or in addition, the processing unit may be configured to draw power from an external power source, e.g. a 1 2 volt or 24 volt vehicle power outlet.

The imaging unit may include a power source, e.g. a rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery. Instead, the imaging unit may be powered from the processing unit or another external power source by means of an electric feed lead.

Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, the imaging unit and the processing unit are physically connected by one or more links for purposes of power supply, image transfer, and control of the camera and lens of the imaging unit by the processing unit.

In another, preferred, embodiment of the invention, both the imaging unit and the processing unit each includes a transceiver, the units being capable of communicating with each other by means of a radio frequency link. Thus, for example, when the processing means of the processing unit makes a positive identification of a number, the alarm signal may be transmitted to the imaging unit which then emits an alarm, e.g. an audible or visible alarm.

The processing unit may include a housing for all the components of the processing unit. The housing may be configured to be carried in a backpack or in a belt-worn configuration by a user. As will be appreciated, in this embodiment, the processing unit is designed to be as compact as possible and is self-contained. However, the processing unit is typically set up in use in one place and left in place during use, before being moved again.

The processing means may include software, in the form of one or more programs or algorithms to control the camera operation. In one embodiment of the invention, the software is configured to control the camera to obtain an optical image of the identification or registration number and its surrounds in which the number in the image occupies a preselected portion, e.g. a preselected width such as 1 20 pixels to 300 pixels, of the captured image. The software may be configured, once the lens of the camera is focussed on the identification/registration number, to determine the distance between the camera and the identification/registration number based on the lens focus setting, to calculate the required field of view angle for the camera to obtain an image in which the identification or registration number occupies a preselected portion, and zooming the lens in or out to obtain the calculated field of view angle.

The processing unit may include database access means for accessing or manipulating a database stored on the database storage means. The database access means may allow access to or manipulation of the database from a location remote from the device, e.g. to add or delete records to the database.

The database access means may be configured to receive information or instructions over a communication path or link or protocol selected from the group consisting of a local area network (LAN), a digital cellular network data link, a digital cellular network Short Message Service, a radio frequency link, an earth orbiting satellite link, and two or more of these. The database access means may thus include a receiver. Preferably, when a receiver is present and configured to receive data over a digital cellular network, the receiver is compliant with the Wireless Application Protocol.

The processing means may include a conventional CPU and motherboard and may be operated with any conventional operating system such as Linux, Unix, Windows NT, AS400, OS2, and DOS. Some or all of these operating system names may be trade marks. The processing means may include one or more programs or algorithms to identify a region of the captured optical image where the identification or registration number is most likely to be located and to perform an optical character recognition operation only on said region of the captured optical image. The processing means may also include one or more programs or algorithms to process the captured optical image to obtain an image more suitable for a character recognition operation prior to obtaining the captured identification or vehicle registration number. Furthermore, the processing means may include one or more programs or algorithms to compress data for increased transmission speeds (for example, spacial or temporal compression may be used) and to maintain and manage any database stored on the database storage means.

The processing means may use any suitable conventional algorithm or software to perform an optical character recognition operation on the optical image of the captured identification or vehicle registration number. The software may make use of methods such as mask/template matching, stroke analysis, neural networking, or combinations of these.

The database of the device of the invention may be maintained and managed by any conventional database software, such as MS-Access (trade mark), Oracle (trade mark), or the like. The processing means may include an indexing program to allow for fast searches of the database. Data in the database may be encrypted. The processing means may include one or more programs or algorithms to test the functionality of the device, and to control any communication functions.

The imaging unit may include a display for displaying information and input means, e.g. a keypad, for manual data entry. Typically, the imaging unit is configured to display information on the status of the device or on identification results.

The imaging unit may include a barcode scanner, e.g. a one- dimensional or two-dimensional barcode scanner.

The imaging unit may include an infra-red light source to illuminate an object in low light conditions.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a functional schematic diagram of a device in accordance with the invention for identifying objections carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number; and

Figure 2 shows a functional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention for identifying objects carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a device in accordance with the invention suitable for identifying objects carrying an alphabetical and/or numerical identification number. The device 10 is particularly suitable for identifying a vehicle based on its vehicle registration number plate, but it can also be used to identify athletes carrying competitor numbers, etc.

The device 1 0 includes a man-portable, hand-held imaging unit 1 2 for capturing an optical image of an alphabetic and/or numeric identification number, such as a vehicle registration number. The device 10 also includes a processing unit 14 which is a separate component from the imaging unit 1 2, but which is in communication with the imaging unit 1 2.

The imaging unit 1 2 includes a weather proof body or housing 1 6 defining a hand-grip 1 8. The housing 1 6 includes a clear cover 1 7 manufactured from plate glass with no visible defects and which is at least 95 % transparent in the 450 nm to 1 1 00 nm wavelength range. The imaging unit 1 2 is further provided with a trigger 20, a visible laser pointer 22 and image capturing means 24, in the form of an integral analogue video camera and zoom lens. The camera has a 1 /4" CCD colour detector and the lens, which is a 6 to 72 mm motorized lens, has automatic lens focussing capabilities. The output from the camera is standard PAL video with a 1 V_P._P signal level.

The trigger 20 is a double action trigger. When the trigger 20 is pressed through its first action, the laser pointer 22 is activated and can be used to aim the imaging unit 1 2 at a vehicle registration number plate. When the trigger 20 is pressed through its second action, the laser pointer 22 is deactivated and an optical image captured by the image capturing means 24 is processed by the processing unit 14, as is described in more detail below. The processing unit 1 4 includes a PCI frame grabber card 26, database storage means in the form of a conventional hard drive 28, a power supply 30, processing means 32 comprising a central processing unit (CPU) with memory, and a local area network (LAN) connecting device or card 34. A sound generator 36 is also provided. Thus, as will be appreciated, the processing unit 1 4 is essentially a conventional PC- based industrial computer with a motherboard, appropriate slots, cards, ports and the like. Components of the processing unit are housed in a welded aluminium case with a lid. A monitor or display screen is housed in the lid. A keyboard, which is not shown, is usually connected to the processing unit 1 4.

The imaging unit 1 2 is physically connected to the processing unit 14 by means of three leads or cables 38, 40, 42. The lead 38 provides power from the power supply 30 of the processing unit 1 4 to the imaging unit 1 2. The lead 40 is used to transmit video images from the image capturing means 24 to the processing unit 14. The lead 42 is an RS232C serial communications link and is used to transmit control signals from the processing unit 1 4 to the image capturing means 24, and feedback information from the image capturing means 24 to the processing unit 1 4.

The frame grabber card 26 is a conventional PCI frame grabber card. It accepts an analogue video signal that conforms to either the PAL or the NTSC standard. The frame grabber card 26 is fully controllable via software operating on the CPU. The frame grabber card 26 is equipped with a trigger input that conforms to standard TTL logic levels. This trigger is polled by optical character recognition software operating on the CPU and when activated in use the next complete frame is digitized and stored in the memory of the computer.

The software operating on the CPU includes an operating system, typically Linux, a built-in test (BIT) routine, a plurality of house- keeping routines, a database management functionality, a camera control functionality, an image pre-processing functionality, an optical character recognition functionality, and a communications functionality.

The built-in test routines are executed during an initialization phase of the device 10. The software tests for the presence of an active video feed, tests the communications to and from the camera as well as any communication links, and logs all test results in a log file that is available for later inspection.

The house-keeping routines of the software is responsible for the performing of all functions relating to the proper operation of the device 1 0, i.e. it manages the storage of recorded images, image compression, polling of the trigger 20, and the like.

The hard drive 28 hosts an encrypted database with a list of "hot" vehicle registration numbers. The database management functionality ensures the capability to update the database via the LAN connecting device 34. Furthermore, the database management functionality allows searches of the database using a vehicle registration number obtained from a captured digital image. The camera control functionality allows control of the settings of the camera of the imaging unit 1 2. Control commands are sent to the camera via the RS232C serial communication lead 42. The camera control software is configured to control the camera to obtain an optical image of a vehicle registration number plate and its surrounds in which the number or number plate in the image occupies a preselected portion, typically a width between 1 20 pixels to 300 pixels where the entire picture width is 768 pixels. The zoom lens of the image capturing means 24 focuses automatically on the object at which the imaging unit 1 2 is pointed, such as a number plate. The software makes an estimation of the distance between the camera and the vehicle identification number plate at which the imaging unit 1 2 is pointed, based on the lens focus setting. Thereafter, the software calculates the required field of view angle for the camera to obtain an image in which the number plate occupies a preselected portion of the width of the image, and zooms the lens in or out to obtain the calculated field of view angle. In this manner, the software ensures that an image in which the number plate is suitably large for an optical character recognition operation, is obtained.

The image pre-processing functionality allows pre-processing of an image grabbed by the frame grabber card 26 to obtain an image that is better suitable for character recognition operations. Typically, the image pre-processing functionality allows shifting of the contrast of the image, removing colour components, removing odd or even frames from an image, and the like. The character recognition functionality is configured to analyse a digital image captured by the frame grabber card 26 in order to locate a region of the image where a number plate is most likely to be located. Once such a region is identified, the software analyses the region for alphanumeric characters. The software typically employs neural networking techniques, template matching, mask-matching, stroke analysis and Fourier descriptors to achieve its objective.

The communications functionality allows updating of the vehicle database via the LAN connecting device 34. Any suitable message format may be used, such as Extensible Mark-up Language

(XML), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and Unix to Unix Copy (UUCP) .

The device 10 has five modes of operation, namely an initialization mode, a normal operation mode, a manual mode, a maintenance mode and a failure mode.

The device 1 0 enters the initialization mode automatically when power is supplied to the device 1 0. During this mode the device 10 performs a built-in test, which includes standard bios self-tests and further tests for the presence of an active video feed and data communications link. In the event that any of the tests fail, the device 1 0 enters the failure mode. However, on successful completion of the built-in test, the device 1 0 enters the normal operation mode.

During the normal operation mode, the device 1 0 displays a standard graphical user interface on the display screen connected to the processing unit 14. During the normal operation mode, the processing unit 1 4 monitors the state of the trigger 20. This can be achieved by either polling a trigger port to test the state of the trigger 20 or the CPU can act on the reception of an interrupt signal from the trigger port. Video information is fed on a continuous basis from the camera to the processing unit 1 4. When the trigger 20 generates a trigger signal, a video frame from the frame grabber 26 is committed to the memory of the device 1 0 and the information is transferred to the hard drive 28 for storage.

The software operating on the CPU then pre-processes the image to optimize the image for character recognition, performs the optical character recognition operation on the processed image, and displays the result on the graphical user interface on the display screen. A search is then automatically conducted of the database in an attempt to find a match in the database for the vehicle registration number captured and recognised. In the case of a match, an audible alarm is sounded by the sound generator, and relevant data is extracted from the database and displayed on the graphical user interface.

The manual mode is a sub-mode of the normal operation mode and is an operator selected mode. This mode does not affect the normal mode of operation which is still functioning in the background. During the manual mode, the operator is able to perform manual queries in the database to verify vehicle number plates or other information contained in the database. The device 1 0 returns to the normal operation mode if the operator enters a command to that effect, or after an elapsed time of 1 20 seconds of inactivity on the part of the operator. If an error occurs during the manual mode, the device 10 enters the failure mode automatically.

The maintenance mode of the device 10 is intended to be used by service personnel only. This mode is used for updating the database and for downloading images stored on the hard drive 28. The maintenance mode is elected by either commanding the device 10 to enter the maintenance mode from the normal operation mode, by means of a security code, or remotely via a communications link. Typically, the maintenance mode is entered on a remote instruction via a communications link in order to perform maintenance of the database. The maintenance mode can thus run in the background and does not affect the normal operation mode. On completion of the maintenance task, the device 10 closes the communications link without affecting the normal operations of the device 10. This last action is completely transparent to an operator of the device 10.

When the device 10 enters the failure mode, the graphical user interface indicates the type of failure on the display screen. An operator can then attempt to solve any problems by taking appropriate action. The device 10 can only exit the failure mode by cycling the power. All failures are logged in a log file for later analysis.

It is expected that the device 10 will be particularly suitable for checking the number plates of parked vehicles or vehicles stopped at road blocks, etc., to determine whether or not the vehicles have been reported stolen, hi-jacked, belong to criminal elements or people wanted by the revenue services, or the like. For the device 10 as illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, the processing unit 14 can easily be placed somewhere in a vehicle, whilst the driver of the vehicle, or a passenger operates the imaging unit 12 through an open window of the vehicle. Thus, it is envisaged that a vehicle carrying the device 10 can be driven slowly past a row of parked vehicles, in order consecutively to check the number plate of each parked vehicle against the database on the hard drive 28 of the device 10. The operator of the imaging unit 12 thus points the imaging unit 12 in the general direction of a number plate, depresses the trigger 20 through its first action to activate the laser pointer 22, aims the imaging unit 1 2 directly at a number plate to be checked by means of the laser pointer 22, and then fully depresses the trigger 20 to deactivate the laser pointer 22 and activate the frame grabber card 26, which digitizes the next complete frame and stores it in the memory of the computer. It is to be appreciated that the zoom lens of the camera focuses automatically, continuously, even when the trigger 20 is not depressed, and that a video stream is continuously sent to the processing unit 14, which in turn continuously attempts to identify a number plate and to adjust the zoom setting of the lens to obtain an image in which the number plate is of a suitable size.

When the device 10 recognises a number plate which is flagged as a "hot" number plate in the database on the hard drive 28, an audible alarm is sounded by the sound generator 36. Information regarding the vehicle is then extracted from the database and displayed on the screen. The operator of the imaging unit 12 can then compare the stored information displayed on the screen against the actual vehicle observed, e.g. to make sure that the model, colour, etc agrees with information in the database. In this fashion, many vehicles can quickly be checked to see if there are any wanted vehicles present.

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, reference numeral 50 generally indicates another, more preferred, embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention for identifying objects carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number, such as a vehicle number plate. The device 50 is similar to the device 10, and unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used in relation to the device 10, are used to indicate the same or similar parts or features of the device 50. The device 50 includes substantially the same software as the device 10 providing the device 50 with substantially the same functionality as the device 10.

Some of the major differences between the device 50 and the device 10 are that the imaging unit 12 of the device 50 includes its own power supply 52 and a transceiver 54, and the processing unit 14 also includes a transceiver 56. The power supply 52 may comprise a disposable or rechargeable electrochemical cell or battery. The imaging unit 12 of the device 50 further includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 58, an infra-red flash 60, a keypad 62 and a digital signal processor (DSP) 64 in place of a frame grabber card in the processing unit 14. The sound generator 36 is located on the imaging unit 12 and not on the processing unit 14.

Thus, the imaging unit 1 2 and the processing unit 14 are not physically connected to each other. Instead, communication between the imaging unit 12 and the processing unit 14 is achieved by means of the radio frequency transceivers 54, 56, which are used to transmit, in one embodiment of the invention, a digital video image from the imaging head 1 2 to the processing unit 1 4, and in another embodiment, a recognised number from the imaging unit 1 2 to the processing unit 1 4, and also to transmit in bi-directional serial communications fashion information and signals between the imaging unit 1 2 and the processing unit 1 4. The radio frequency transceivers are high frequency transceivers operating over a narrow bandwidth with a limited range.

The device 50 is used in the same fashion as the device 1 0. However, the operation of the device 50 is quite different to the operation of the device 1 0. As will be appreciated, a first obvious difference is that there is no physical connection between the imaging unit 1 2 and the processing unit 14 of the device 1 5. Communication between the imaging unit 1 2 and the processing unit 1 4 is by means of the transceivers 54, 56. This allows the processing unit 14 to operate with up to sixty-four imaging units 1 2. Another difference is that functionality is divided between the DSP 64 and the processing means 32.

In the device 50, when the trigger 20 is pressed through its first action, the laser pointer 22 is activated and can be used to aim the imaging unit 1 2 at a vehicle registration number plate. When the trigger 20 is pressed through its second action, the laser pointer 22 is deactivated and an optical image from the camera 24 is grabbed by the DSP 64, which is connected directly to the camera 24. The video frame thus grabbed by the DSP 64 when the trigger 20 is pressed through its second action, is digitised by the DSP 64 and, in one embodiment of the invention, it is transmitted to the processing unit 1 4 to be stored in the memory of the processing unit 1 4.

The camera 24 is controlled by the DSP 64 which also does all the necessary image pre-processing and which manages the man- machine interface (the LCD 58 and the keypad 62) on the imaging unit 1 2.

During normal operation the LCD 58 displays a status message. The DSP 64 monitors the status of the trigger 20. When the trigger 20 is triggered a video frame from the camera 24 is saved in memory of the DSP 64. This frame is transmitted to the processing unit

14 which transfers a copy to the hard drive 28 for storage.

In one embodiment of the invention, the DSP 64 pre- processes the image, performs the optical character recognition operation and then transmits the results to the processing unit 1 4. In another embodiment of the invention, the grabbed image is sent to the processing unit 1 4 which then performs pre-processing and optical character recognition.

A search is then automatically conducted on the database in an attempt to find a match in the database for the vehicle registration number captured and recognised. In the case of a match, the relevant data is extracted from the database and sent back to the imaging unit 1 2. The sound generator 36 on the imaging unit 1 2 then emits an audible alarm and the data is displayed on the LCD 58. During manual mode of the device 50, entries are made via the keypad 62 into the imaging unit 12, which then transmits the data, e.g. a query, to the processing unit 14. In this embodiment of the invention, the processing unit 14 does not distinguish between the manual mode and the normal mode of operation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A device for identifying objects carrying an alphabetic and/or numerical identification number, the device including at least one man-portable imaging unit for capturing an optical image of the alphabetic and/or numerical identification number of the object, the imaging unit optionally including processing means to process the optical image captured in order to recognise the captured identification number; and a processing unit housed separately from the imaging unit but being in communication with the imaging unit, the processing unit including database storage means for storing a database comprising the identification number of at least one object which it is desired to identify; and processing means configured (i) optionally, to process the optical image captured by the imaging unit in order to recognise the captured identification number if the imaging unit does not perform this function, and (ii) to compare the recognised identification number with the identification numbers in the database, thereby to identify the object.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 , in which the processing means is configured to generate an alarm signal if the recognised identification number corresponds with any identification number in the database.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, in which the processing unit and/or the imaging unit includes alarm means, responsive to the alarm signal, to indicate when the recognised identification number corresponds with any identification number in the database.

4. A device for identifying a vehicle, the device including at least one man-portable imaging unit for capturing an optical image of a vehicle registration number plate carried by a vehicle, the imaging unit optionally including processing means to process the optical image captured in order to recognise the captured identification number; and a processing unit housed separately from the imaging unit but being in communication with the imaging unit, the processing unit comprising database storage means for storing a database comprising the vehicle registration number of at least one vehicle which it is desired to identify; and processing means configured (i) optionally, to process the optical image captured by the imaging unit in order to recognise the captured vehicle registration number if the imaging unit does not perform this function, (ii) to compare the recognised vehicle registration number with vehicle registration numbers in the database, and (iii) to generate an alarm signal if the recognised vehicle registration number corresponds with the vehicle registration number of any vehicle in the database which it is desired to identify.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, in which the processing unit and/or the imaging unit includes alarm means, responsive to the alarm signal, to indicate when the recognised vehicle registration number corresponds with the vehicle registration number of any vehicle in the database which it is desired to identify.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the imaging unit includes a camera and a zoom lens.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, in which the camera and the lens are an integral unit with a CCD colour detector and automatic lens focussing capabilities.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the imaging unit includes a hand grip and a manual trigger, the imaging unit being configured, on triggering of the manual trigger, to transmit an optical image of the identification/registration number from the imaging unit to the processing unit.

9. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 inclusive, in which the imaging unit includes a hand grip and a manual trigger and said processing means, the processing means being configured, on triggering of the manual trigger, to process the optical image captured in order to recognise the captured identification/registration number and to send the recognised identification/registration number to the processing unit.

1 0. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the imaging unit includes an aiming device, for assisting in aiming the imaging unit at an identification or registration number to be captured.

1 1 . A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which both the imaging unit and the processing unit each includes a transceiver, the units being capable of communicating with each other by means of a radio frequency link.

1 2. A device as claimed in claim 6, in which the processing means of the imaging unit or the processing means of the processing unit includes software, in the form of one or more programs or algorithms to control the camera operation.

1 3. A device as claimed in claim 1 2, in which the processing means is configured to control the camera to obtain an optical image of the identification or registration number and its surrounds in which the number in the captured image occupies a preselected portion of the captured image.

1 4. A device as claimed in claim 1 3, in which the processing means is configured, once the lens of the camera is focussed on the identification/registration number, to determine the distance between the camera and the identification/registration number based on the lens focus setting, to calculate the required field of view angle for the camera to obtain an image in which the identification or registration number occupies a preselected portion, and to zoom the lens in or out to obtain the calculated field of view angle.

1 5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the processing unit includes database access means for accessing or manipulating a database stored by the database storage means, the database access means allowing access to or manipulation of the database from a location remote from the device.

1 6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the processing means of the imaging unit or the processing means of the processing unit includes one or more programs or algorithms to identify a region of the captured optical image where the identification or registration number is most likely to be located and to perform an optical character recognition operation only on said region of the captured optical image.

1 7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the imaging unit includes a display for displaying information and input means for manual data entry.

1 8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the imaging unit includes a barcode scanner.

1 9. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

20. A new device, substantially as herein described.