GB2442503A - Vehicle monitoring system using cameras in different geographical locations. - Google Patents
Vehicle monitoring system using cameras in different geographical locations. Download PDFInfo
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- GB2442503A GB2442503A GB0619851A GB0619851A GB2442503A GB 2442503 A GB2442503 A GB 2442503A GB 0619851 A GB0619851 A GB 0619851A GB 0619851 A GB0619851 A GB 0619851A GB 2442503 A GB2442503 A GB 2442503A
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- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 72
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 claims abstract 5
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 102000028822 rhoB GTP-Binding Protein Human genes 0.000 claims 1
- 108010044416 rhoB GTP-Binding Protein Proteins 0.000 claims 1
- 101150012579 ADSL gene Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 102100020775 Adenylosuccinate lyase Human genes 0.000 description 2
- 108700040193 Adenylosuccinate lyases Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012217 deletion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037430 deletion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/017—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles
- G08G1/0175—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles by photographing vehicles, e.g. when violating traffic rules
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/017—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled identifying vehicles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/04—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled using optical or ultrasonic detectors
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A vehicle monitoring system comprises a plurality of cameras 10 in different geographical locations. Each camera comprises a processing 14, storage 24 and transmission means 26. In operation the camera records an image of a vehicle in the local storage together with a time of capture. This file may also be encrypted with a reference number. The camera then applies an OCR process to identify the vehicle registration mark which is then transmitted together with the time to central point over a communications network, which may be wireless. The central point receives the transmitted data and provides a facility for the input of a vehicle to be monitored. A search means then determines a match between the input number and the captured information. If a match is determined the central point retrieves the stored image from the camera. A separate portable memory means may be connected to the camera to download images from the camera. The storage means may be in a separate container 18 and located underground. The camera may also have timing verification means to synchronise the clock with other cameras.
Description
* 2442503
VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a vehicle monitoring system.
It is well known from the prior art to monitor
vehicles. Such monitoring systems are typically used to monitor the speed of the vehicle, in order to enforce speed limits. It is also known to monitor vehicles for the purpose for controlling access to city centres, for example to enforce congestion charging. Such monitoring systems may store the data at a central location, or only hold the data for a maximum of 48 hours at the site of the camera. This may require the transmission of a very large amount of data, which is expensive and may be technically difficult.
The present invention provides a vehicle monitoring system comprising: a plurality of cameras provided one each in a plurality of different geographical locations, each camera capturing images of vehicle registration marks of vehicles passing thereby; for each camera is provided an electronic processing means, an electronic memory means and data transmission means, the electronic processing means producing electronic records each comprising at least one of the captured images and a time of image capture, which electronic records are stored in the electronic memory means, and the electronic processing means using a character recognition process to extract from at least some of the captured images the vehicle registration marks appearing therein, which extracted vehicle registration marks are transmitted onwards by the transmission means in data files which comprise for each vehicle registration mark an associated time of image capture; a communications network across which the data files are transmitted; and a central electronic processing means in a geographical location remote from at least the malority of the cameras which receives via the communications network from the cameras the transmitted data files; input means for entering information about a vehicle to be monitored into the central electronic processing means; search means for searching the central electronic processing means to determine a match between the entered information and the data files on the central electronic processing means, wherein on finding one or more matched data files: the central electronic processing means determines which of the plurality of cameras captured the relevant image(s); retrieves from the electronic memory means associated with the camera the relevant image(s) captured by the camera(s) and the image capture time and location recorded theref or; and outputs the retrieved images(s), locations(s) and capture time(s).
Thus, a large amount of data can be securely held at each of the cameras, rather than at a central location.
This increases the ease with which the large amount of data can be stored and accessed, and reduces the need to transmit large amounts of image data over the communications network.
A preferred embodiments of the present invention can now be described by way of example only with reference to the company drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the vehicle monitoring system according to the first invention; Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation part of the present invention; Figures 3A and 3B are examples of image data which may be stored by the present invention.
The system of the present invention is intended to be used to track vehicles for intelligence purposes. In particular, it is intended track suspects who may have used a vehicle to travel to or from a crime scene. The system is not primarily intended to enforce speed limits or access to a controlled area such as a city centre.
Figure 1 shows a first camera 10 situated in a first geographical location. The camera 10 can capture images of passing vehicles, for example, vehicle 11 shown schematically in the drawing. The system of the present invention may include further cameras in different geographical locations. A second camera 40 is shown in a second geographical location. The cameras 10,40 may be situated on different parts of the same road, or may be located on different roads. The cameras 10,40 can record images of all the vehicles passing by them. From these images the vehicle registration marks on the vehicles can be determined.
The cameras 10,40 are in communication with a central computer 20 by a communications link 31. The communication link uses a robust communications protocol, such as TCP/IP.
The communications link 31 is preferably an airborne or wireless link, for example using a general packet radio service (GPRS) system. This has the advantage that a cable does not have to be run from a camera 10, 40 to the central computer 20. This allows a flexible network of cameras which can be rapidly deployed, and may be portable. Since the cameras 10,40 may be in geographically remote locations, such a cable would be expensive to lay and could not be laid quickly.
As an alternative, the communications link 31 may be a wired cable using Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Ijine (ADSL) Such an ADSL communication system has a high bandwidth, but may only be practical in an urban area.
With reference to Figure 2, the camera 10 is supported above ground level by a pole 12. A mains pillar 14 supplies mains electrical power to the camera 10 via wire 16. An electronic processing means (not shown) is located in the camera 10. An electronic memory means 24 is located adjacent to the camera 10, and is supplied with electrical power from mains pillar 14 by a wire 22. The electronic memory means 24 and electronic processing means are connected by a local TCP/IP connection.
The electronic memory means is preferably a non-volatile memory, for example a RAID 1 or RAID 5 computer hard drives. RAID technology offers protection of a single disc failure and may be automatically reported to the central computer for a maintenance call out. If the RAID disc is replaced before further failure then no data is lost.
The memory means 24 is located in a storage container 18. The storage container 18 is a secure chamber. The memory means 24 is housed in rugged waterproof box. The storage container 18 may be buried covertly in the ground. This has the advantage that the electronic processing means and memory means are hidden, reducing the chance of vandalism or theft. The location of the storage container 18 under the ground will also protect the memory means 24 from extremes of temperature. A heat sink may be integrally formed or attached to the storage container to remove heat produced by the memory means 24. Alternatively, the memory means 24 may be placed directly into the ground without being in a storage container, or may be located above ground in a suitable temperature controlled environment.
A data transmission means is connected to the electronic processing means 24, in order to transmit and receive data to and from the central computer 20. The data transmission means is located within the camera 10, and may transmit through an aerial mounted on the camera 26.
The electronic processing means includes a camera clock specific to the camera 10, which can generate a time signal.
Each of the captured images produced by the camera 10 is time stamped with the time signal generated by the camera clock. The clock is synchronised to at least one traceable standard to ensure that the time is accurate. A suitable standard includes the global positioning system (GPS) time standard, the broadcast time standard provided by the national physics laboratory in Rugby or the widely available atomic time standard via a network communications protocol such as SNTP. The electronic processing means may obtain data relating to these time standards through the communications link 31.
The time signal referred to includes the date (including year), as well as the time within that date.
Software running on the electronic processing means acts to identify the characters of the vehicle registration marks from the images vehicle registration marks. This process of character recognition is well documented in the prior art, and may be known as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). The extracted vehicle registration number is associated with the time of the image from which they were extracted.
A location identifier, or camera-ID, unique to each camera is associated with the extracted vehicle registration marks, in order to uniquely identify the camera which captured the original images of that vehicle. If the camera is portable, a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) signal may also generated and sent to identify where the camera is located.
Each set of vehicle registration marks is associated with a locally produced sequence number, which when combined with the camera ID, is unique across the network of cameras over a very large time period, typically many years. A record containing the registration marks will include the sequence number allocated to the relevant vehicle registration mark, so that each record can be correlated with the relevant vehicle registration mark. This allows a full Intelligence Record to be identified and retrieved later, as will be described in more detail below.
The vehicle registration marks may be gathered into a batch typically on a periodic time base, e.g. every five minutes. Alternatively, each vehicle registration mark may be dealt with on an individual basis. The time stamped vehicle registration marks are sent as data files (either individually or in batches) via a robust communications medium with full error handling to the central computer.
The data file sent to the central computer contains the time-stamped vehicle registration marks extracted by ANPR along with the locally produced sequence number and camera-ID of the camera. This data file initially sent to the central computer does not include an image of the vehicle or the number plate from which the registration marks have been extracted by ANPR. This data file is relatively small, and so can be transmitted quickly and cheaply by the communications link 31. The data file also only requires a relatively small amount of storage space on the central computer 20.
With reference to Figures 3A and 3B, one or more files are generated by the electronic processing means for storing on the memory means 24 adjacent to the camera which generated the images. The camera within itself generates the time-stamped extracted vehicle registration marks, and moves the images via the TCP/IP link to the memory means 24. A file termed an Intelligence Record Patch is shown in Figure 3A. The Intelligence Record Patch includes the time stamped extracted vehicle registration mark produced by ANPR. The status of the local clock synchronisation is also included in the record.
The Intelligence Record Patch also includes a cropped image of the vehicle, focussed on the registration marks.
This allows the vehicle registration marks automatically read by ANPR to be checked by a human operator. The image is relatively small and so only requires a small amount of storage space.
As a less preferred option, the camera may be used to detect the speed of the vehicle, and this information stored in the Intelligence Record. Measuring the speed is not a primary function of this system.
The electronic memory means also stores further Intelligence Records of the information electronically. Each record of information will include an image of the vehicle registration mark (e.g. license plate) itself in the Intelligence Record Patch and also an overview image of the vehicle on which the vehicle registration mark appears. A view of all of the vehicle as shown in Figure 3B may be included. Other images of the vehicle could also be incorporated in the record, e.g. multiple images spaced by small time intervals to how the direction of travel of a vehicle, or an image of part of the vehicle.
More than one sequence number may be associated with the record for each vehicle sent to the central computer, one sequence number per separate record. This allows each separately stored record (i.e. each captured image) to be individually retrieved for a vehicle of interest.
The intelligence records stored at the camera sites can be initially accessed using a sequence number sent in the original data file, and as described above, the original data file does not contain an image. Thus, the central computer database must store the data files for as long as the images may be required, since deletion of a data file will prevent the images of the intelligence record being identifiable and retrievable.
Alternatively, a first sequence number could be provided which links the vehicle registration marks to a first stored record. The first stored record includes a second sequence number which links to a second stored record. For example, the first sequence number may allow retrieval of the Intelligence Record Patch. The Intelligence Record Patch includes a second sequence number to enable a second image or images to be retrieved. The second image may include a third sequence number to enable a third image to be retrieved. Alternatively, a single sequence number can be used to identify and retrieve a plurality of images.
To prevent tampering with the recorded records, the electronic processing system may add authentication data to the record, for example by adding a "message digest" or long checksum as produced by the SHA-1 algorithm.
The record may also be encrypted with a high standard of encryption, rendering the whole record undecipherable to an unauthorised person. A suitable algorithm may be the AES algorithm with a long 256 bit key, to provide a high level of protection. The central computer is provided with means to convert each encrypted transmitted record back to an unencrypted form.
Separate elements of each record may be encrypted as separate entities. In particular, the Intelligence Record -10 -Patch may be encrypted separately from the other images and data. This would allow the Intelligence Record Patch to be read first, to check that the ANPR correctly identified the vehicle registration marks.
When intelligence is required for investigating a criminal event, the authority with appropriate permission can search the central database. The central database can be searched by entering a particular vehicle registration mark which is suspected of being involved. The central computer can also be searched for near matches using wild cards or "fuzzy" techniques. The central database can also be searched by site, i.e. recovering all vehicle registration marks recorded by a particular camera or cameras. The central computer may also be searched by the time at which the vehicle registration mark was recorded. The central data base can be searched by any combination of the vehicle registration mark, location and time to find a vehicle.
The search criteria can be manually entered e.g. by an operator with a keyboard, or may be in the form of a list received from another computer.
When a particular registration mark or marks are selected, then the supporting intelligence records are automatically requested from the respective cameras using the sequence number(s). When the camera receives the request, the electronic processing means in the camera requests the image from the memory means 24. The image is then sent over the local TCP/IP link from the memory means 24 to the processing means in the camera, and sent out by the transmission means to the central computer. Since the -11 -intelligence records are only retrieved on an as-needed basis, relatively little communication is required is required so a low bandwidth communication system such as GPRS can be utilised to connect the cameras to the central computer. This system avoids sending images, which are relatively large files, to the central computer until they are specifically required by a human operator.
The Intelligence Record Patch may alone be requested initially. This allows the extracted vehicle registration marks to be checked against the image of the registration marks by the human operator, since ANPR is not 100% efficient at correctly recognising the registration marks.
If the extracted vehicle registration marks are correct, the larger image files can then be retrieved. This architecture allows for fast checking by a human operator, with the supporting data following. The central database contains the extracted vehicle registration marks and other data, and only those images which have been specifically retrieved from the memory means at the cameras.
If a larger extract from a particular camera is required, the site of the camera may be visited. The electronic processing means has means for connection to a wired Ethernet connection along which the required records may be accessed. A portable computer can therefore be used to pull large amounts of date from the memory means 24 by visiting the camera location.
The electronic memory means has storage space to store records for many months, and possibly a year or several years. When the electronic memory means become full, the -12 -oldest records are automatically deleted by storing new records over them.
Distribution of the images recorded by the network of cameras around each site minimises the risk of the entire database from being accidentally or intentionally destroyed.
If the electronic memory of a single camera is destroyed and/or its data lost, this will not affect the data stored by the other cameras in the network.
The electronic processing means has been described as located in the camera 10. Alternatively, it may be located with the memory means. In particular, the electronic processing means may be located underground with the memory means. The transmission means has been described as located in the camera, and may alternatively be located outside of the camera. The transmission means may be located with the electronic processing means, and may be located underground.
Claims (16)
1. A vehicle monitoring system comprising: a plurality of cameras provided one each in a plurality of different geographical locations, each camera capturing images of vehicle registration marks of vehicles passing thereby; for each camera is provided an electronic processing means, an electronic memory means and data transmission means, the electronic processing means producing electronic records each comprising at least one of the captured images and a time of image capture, which electronic records are stored in the electronic memory means, and the electronic processing means using a character recognition process to extract from at least some of the captured images the vehicle registration marks appearing therein, which extracted vehicle registration marks are transmitted onwards by the transmission means in data files which comprise for each vehicle registration mark an associated time of image capture; a communications network across which the data files are transmitted; and a central electronic processing means in a geographical location remote from at least the majority of the cameras which receives via the communications network from the cameras the transmitted data files; input means for entering information about a vehicle to be monitored into the central electronic processing means; search means for searching the central electronic processing means to determine a match between the entered information and the data files on the central electronic -14 -processing means, wherein on finding one or more matched data files: the central electronic processing means determines which of the plurality of cameras captured the relevant image(s); retrieves from the electronic memory means associated with the camera the relevant image(s) captured by the camera(s) and the image capture time and location recorded therefor; and outputs the retrieved images(s), locations(s) and capture time (s)
2. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communications network is a wireless communications network.
3. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the memory means has means for connection to a separate portable processing means and memory brought to the camera location, such that the separate processing means and memory can download records from the electronic memory means of the camera.
4. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic memory means is located in a storage container adjacent to the camera.
5. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the storage container is located underground.
6. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each camera is provided with -15 -timing verification means which can access at least one independent time source, the independent time source originating time signals independently of the central electronic processing means, and verification means capable of checking whether the clock means is generating time which is within the predetermined tolerance of the time signals obtained from the at least one independent source.
7. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the electronic records are stored as a plurality of separate files, and each file is individually encrypted and provided with a reference number allowing retrieval of an individual file.
8. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the electronic records contains a detailed image focussed on the vehicle registration marks and also contains the vehicle registration marks as extracted by the character recognition process.
9. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic records each comprise a first captured detailed image focussed on the vehicle registration mark and at least a second captured overview image showing the vehicle on which the vehicle registration mark appears.
10. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic processing means associated with each camera comprise local authentication means which generate an authorisation code for inclusion in -16 -each electronic record, which authentication code is later checked by central authentication means provided in the central electronic processing means to ensure that the transmitted record has not been tampered with prior to or during transmission.
11. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic processing means associated with each camera comprises encryption means for encrypting each electronic record prior to transmission and the central electronic processing means comprises deciphering means to convert each encrypted transmitted record back to an unencrypted form.
12. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic processing means is located within the camera.
13. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the transmission means is located within the camera.
14. A method of monitoring vehicles comprising: providing plurality of cameras provided one each in a plurality of different geographical locations, each camera capturing images of vehicle registration marks of vehicles passing thereby; for each camera providing an electronic processing means, an electronic memory means and data transmission means, the electronic processing means producing electronic records each comprising at least one of the captured images and a time of image capture, which electronic records are -17 -stored in the electronic memory means, and the electronic processing means using a character recognition process to extract from at least some of the captured images the vehicle registration marks appearing therein, which extracted vehicle registration marks are transmitted onwards by the transmission means in data files which comprise for each vehicle registration mark an associated time of image capture; providing a communications network across which the data files are transmitted; and providing a central electronic processing means in a geographical location remote from at least the majority of the cameras which receives via the communications network from the cameras the transmitted data files; inputting information about a vehicle to be monitored into the central electronic processing means; searching the central electronic processing means to determine a match between the entered information and the data files on the central electronic processing means, wherein on finding one or more matched data files: the central electronic processing means determining which of the plurality of cameras captured the relevant image(s); retrieves from the electronic memory means associated with the camera the relevant image(s) captured by the camera(s) and the image capture time and location recorded therefor; and outputting the retrieved images(s), locations(s) and capture time (s)
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of: retrieving from the electronic memory means a first captured detailed image focussed on the vehicle registration mark, -18 -checking that the extracted vehicle registration marks matches the vehicle registration marks in the first image; and retrieving a second captured overview image showing the vehicle on which the vehicle registration mark appears.
16. A vehicle monitoring system as hereinbefore described and with reference to and as shown in Figure 2.
799680; ARRD, SNW U. * S*S ** * S S... S. S.
* .* S * S
S S. US
S
S S S. * Se..
S
16. A vehicle monitoring system as hereinbefore described and with reference to and as shown in Figure 2.
760204, ARHB; TJ Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows
1. A vehicle monitoring system comprising: a plurality of cameras provided one each in a plurality of different geographical locations, each camera capturing images of vehicle registration marks of vehicles passing thereby; for each camera is provided an electronic processing means, an electronic memory means and data transmission means, the electronic processing means producing electronic records each comprising at least one of the captured images and a time of image capture, which electronic records are stored in the electronic memory means, and the electronic processing means using a character recognition process to extract from at least some of the captured images the vehicle registration marks appearing therein, which extracted vehicle registration marks are transmitted onwards by the transmission means in data files which comprise for each vehicle registration mark an associated time of image capture; * ** . * * a communications network across which the data files are transmitted; and : * * a central electronic processing means in a geographical **** **** location remote from at least the majority of the cameras which receives via the communications network from the cameras the transmitted data files; input means for entering information about a vehicle to be monitored into the central electronic processing means; search means for searching the central electronic processing means to determine a match between the entered information and the data files on the central electronic 2C processing means, wherein on finding one or more matched data files: the central electronic processing means determines which of the plurality of cameras captured the relevant image(s); retrieves from the electronic memory means associated with the camera the relevant image(s) captured by the camera(s) and the image capture time and location recorded there for; and outputs the retrieved images(s), locations(s) and capture time(s) 2. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communications network is a wireless communications network.
3. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the memory means has means for connection to a separate portable processing means and memory brought to the camera location, such that the separate processing means : * and memory can download records from the electronic memory means of the camera. * * * * * ****
**** 4. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of * S **** the preceding claims wherein the electronic memory means is located in a storage container adjacent to the camera.
5. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the storage container is located underground.
6. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each camera is provided with timing verification means which can access at least one independent time source, the independent time source originating time signals independently of the central electronic processing means, and verification means capable of checking whether the clock means is generating time which is within the predetermined tolerance of the time signals obtained from the at least one independent source.
7. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the electronic records are stored as a plurality of separate files, and each file is individually encrypted and provided with a reference number allowing retrieval of an individual file.
8. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the electronic records contains a detailed image focussed on the vehicle registration marks and also contains the vehicle *::::* registration marks as extracted by the character recognition process. *. ..
* S. S * S 9. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of : * * the preceding claims wherein the electronic records each S...
comprise a first captured detailed image focussed on the *SS.
vehicle registration mark and at least a second captured overview image showing the vehicle on which the vehicle registration mark appears.
10. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic processing means associated with each camera comprise local authentication means which generate an authorisation code for inclusion in each electronic record, which authentication code is later checked by central authentication means provided in the central electronic processing means to ensure that the transmitted record has not been tampered with prior to or during transmission.
11. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic processing means associated with each camera comprises encryption means for encrypting each electronic record prior to transmission and the central electronic processing means comprises deciphering means to convert each encrypted transmitted record back to an unencrypted form.
12. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the electronic processing means is located within the camera. e * ***
13. A vehicle monitoring system as claimed in any one of :.:. 20 the preceding claims wherein the transmission means is * * located within the camera. S. **
S
: * 14. A method of monitoring vehicles comprising: I...
providing plurality of cameras provided one each in a 5..
plurality of different geographical locations, each camera capturing images of vehicle registration marks of vehicles passing thereby; for each camera providing an electronic processing means, an electronic memory means and data transmission means, the electronic processing means producing electronic records each comprising at least one of the captured images and a time of image capture, which electronic records are stored in the electronic memory means, and the electronic processing means using a character recognition process to extract from at least some of the captured images the vehicle registration marks appearing therein, which extracted vehicle registration marks are transmitted onwards by the transmission means in data files which comprise for each vehicle registration mark an associated time of image capture; providing a communications network across which the data files are transmitted; and providing a central electronic processing means in a geographical location remote from at least the majority of the cameras which receives via the communications network from the cameras the transmitted data files; inputting information about a vehicle to be monitored into the central electronic processing means; searching the central electronic processing means to determine a match between the entered information and the * U..
data files on the central electronic processing means, *...
wherein on finding one or more matched data files: the I. : central electronic processing means determining which of the plurality of cameras captured the relevant image (s); * . retrieving from the electronic memory means associated with ** U..
the camera the relevant image(s) captured by the camera(s) and the image capture time and location recorded therefor; and outputting the retrieved images(s), locations(s) and capture time(s) 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of: retrieving from the electronic memory means a first captured detailed image focussed on the vehicle registration mark, * . 2-" checking that the extracted vehicle registration marks matches the vehicle registration marks in the first image; and retrieving a second captured overview image showing the vehicle on which the vehicle registration mark appears.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0619851A GB2442503B (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2006-10-06 | Vehicle monitoring system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0619851A GB2442503B (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2006-10-06 | Vehicle monitoring system |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0619851D0 GB0619851D0 (en) | 2006-11-15 |
| GB2442503A true GB2442503A (en) | 2008-04-09 |
| GB2442503B GB2442503B (en) | 2009-04-29 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0619851A Expired - Fee Related GB2442503B (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2006-10-06 | Vehicle monitoring system |
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| Country | Link |
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| GB (1) | GB2442503B (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2166757A2 (en) * | 2008-09-19 | 2010-03-24 | Dallmeier electronic GmbH & Co. KG. | Image and/or sound data processing and storage system and monitoring system |
| BE1018741A4 (en) * | 2010-08-26 | 2011-07-05 | Traficon Internat N V | TRAFFIC MONITORING SYSTEM. |
| EP2858056A1 (en) * | 2013-10-07 | 2015-04-08 | Kapsch TrafficCom AB | Traffic surveillance system |
| EP2887333A1 (en) * | 2013-12-17 | 2015-06-24 | Xerox Corporation | Privacy-preserving evidence in ALPR applications |
| CN106652477A (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2017-05-10 | 北京惠泽智业科技有限公司 | Violation recognition method and device |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN101727748B (en) * | 2009-11-30 | 2014-09-10 | 北京中星微电子有限公司 | Method, system and equipment for monitoring vehicles based on vehicle taillight detection |
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| WO2001035372A1 (en) * | 1999-11-09 | 2001-05-17 | C.R.A.F.T. S.R.L. | System for surveillance of vehicular traffic on roads and highways |
| BE1014680A6 (en) * | 2002-03-05 | 2004-03-02 | Lange Philippe | Method for monitoring the average speed of individual vehicles and traffic flows, comprises capture, storing and processing of video or photographic data taken at specific points along a route |
| AU2004231240A1 (en) * | 1997-02-24 | 2004-12-23 | Rts R & D Pty Ltd | Vehicle imaging and verification |
| JP2005135133A (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2005-05-26 | Mitsubishi Precision Co Ltd | Vehicle collection system and vehicle search system |
| GB2425385A (en) * | 2005-04-18 | 2006-10-25 | Pips Technology Ltd | Vehicle speed monitoring system |
-
2006
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Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2004231240A1 (en) * | 1997-02-24 | 2004-12-23 | Rts R & D Pty Ltd | Vehicle imaging and verification |
| WO2001035372A1 (en) * | 1999-11-09 | 2001-05-17 | C.R.A.F.T. S.R.L. | System for surveillance of vehicular traffic on roads and highways |
| BE1014680A6 (en) * | 2002-03-05 | 2004-03-02 | Lange Philippe | Method for monitoring the average speed of individual vehicles and traffic flows, comprises capture, storing and processing of video or photographic data taken at specific points along a route |
| JP2005135133A (en) * | 2003-10-30 | 2005-05-26 | Mitsubishi Precision Co Ltd | Vehicle collection system and vehicle search system |
| GB2425385A (en) * | 2005-04-18 | 2006-10-25 | Pips Technology Ltd | Vehicle speed monitoring system |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2166757A2 (en) * | 2008-09-19 | 2010-03-24 | Dallmeier electronic GmbH & Co. KG. | Image and/or sound data processing and storage system and monitoring system |
| EP2166757A3 (en) * | 2008-09-19 | 2011-10-19 | Dallmeier electronic GmbH & Co. KG. | Image and/or sound data processing and storage system and surveillance system |
| US9332209B2 (en) | 2008-09-19 | 2016-05-03 | Dallmeier Electronic Gmbh & Co. Kg | Backing up compressed data at the source before transmitting over a network |
| BE1018741A4 (en) * | 2010-08-26 | 2011-07-05 | Traficon Internat N V | TRAFFIC MONITORING SYSTEM. |
| EP2858056A1 (en) * | 2013-10-07 | 2015-04-08 | Kapsch TrafficCom AB | Traffic surveillance system |
| AU2014240266B2 (en) * | 2013-10-07 | 2019-08-01 | Kapsch Trafficcom Ab | Traffic surveillance system |
| EP2887333A1 (en) * | 2013-12-17 | 2015-06-24 | Xerox Corporation | Privacy-preserving evidence in ALPR applications |
| CN106652477A (en) * | 2017-03-06 | 2017-05-10 | 北京惠泽智业科技有限公司 | Violation recognition method and device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2442503B (en) | 2009-04-29 |
| GB0619851D0 (en) | 2006-11-15 |
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| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
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