GB2500716A

GB2500716A - Vehicle imaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2500716A
Application number: GB201205784A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Daniel George Gould
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-03-30
Filing date: 2012-03-30
Publication date: 2013-10-02
Also published as: GB201205784D0

Abstract

An apparatus 1 for imaging a vehicle 10 comprising one or more image capture devices 20, each having a field of view; a monitoring device 12 for generating location signals based on the location of a vehicle with respect to a target location within the field of view of the one or more image capture devices; and a feedback device 16 arranged to receive the location signals from the monitoring device and provide guidance information to a driver of the vehicle. In another embodiment the apparatus includes a booth 2 with light emitting devices 22, where the walls include a light absorbent or diffusing portion 24. Lighting in the booth may be metered and controlled. A further embodiment includes an identifier device that associates a unique identifier with the images of the vehicle to store them on a server. Identification may be based on number plate recognition or similar techniques.

Description

VEHICLE IMAGING APPARATUS

FIELD TO THE INVENTION

This invention relates to imaging and more specifically but not exchisively to the imaging of vehicles.

BAcKoRoulc[ TO THE INVENTION Over time vehicles may suffer external damage, such as scratches and dents, or structural damage. Current methods of assessment of this damage involve manual inspection and recording of the location and nature of visible surface damage. Manual damage inspection is a time consuming process which is susceptible to human error.

SuiMy OFTI-IE INVENTION According to a first aspect. of the invejition there is provided an apparatus for imaging a vehiclc comprising: one or more image capture devices, each image capture device having a field of view; a monitoring device for generating locations signals based on the location of a vehicle with respect to a target location, the target location being within the field of view of the one or more image capture devices; and a feedback device arranged to receive the location signals from the monitoring device and provide guidance information to a driver of the vehicle.

Thus, the apparatus according to the first aspect enables a car to be imaged with repeatable accuracy without the requirement for a trained operator. The monitoring and feedback devices enable an untrained driver of a vehicle to position the vehicle in a target location which is suitabic for imaging thc vehicle.

The apparatus may include a booth within which the one or more image capture devices, monitoring device and/or feedback device are provided.

The monitoring device may include one or more laser beams. In one embodiment, the monitoring device may comprises four laser beams.

The laser beams may point in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The laser beams may be arranged so that one or more of the beams arc broken when the vehicle reaches the target location.

Thus, the laser beams can accurately detect the fore-aft displacement of the vehicle within the booth.

The laser beams may be located at either end of the booth.

Thus, the monitoring device can detect when the vehicle enters the booth, and when the vehicle is reaching the exit of the booth.

Two substantially parallel laser beams may be located at one or both ends of the booth.

Thus, a more accurate indication of the location of the vehicle can be attained.

The monitoring device may comprise video cameras and/or other motion detectors.

Where the monitoring devices include one or more video cameras, the video cameras may be the same as those used as image capture devices.

One or more of the image capture devices may comprise a camera or a video camera.

One or more of the image capture devices may be fixed at locations around the booth. The image capture devices are preferably focussed towards the inside of the booth.

The image capture devices are preferably positioned so that, when a vehicle is driven into the booth and positioned at the target location, the image capture devices are able to capture images of a substantial part of the body work of the car. The apparatus may further comprises a unique identifier capture system (IJICS) ibr capturing and processing images of unique identifiers associated with vehicle being imaged by the apparatus.

Thus, the identity of each vehicle can be captured so that any images of the vehicle captured can later be matched to a particular vehicle.

The unique identifier may be a vehicle registration plate, a tax disc, or othcr standardised identifier or any other identifier which is unique only to the vehicle being imaged.

The UICS may include one or more image capture devices, such as a camera or video camera, to capture an image of unique identifier. The TJICS may utilise one or more of the image capture devices used to capture images of the body work of the vehicle or the location of the vehicle, if such devices are used.

In the case of capturing a vehicle registration plate, such an image capture device may be located at the exit of the booth, pointing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and in plane sight of a vehicle registration plate of a vehicle to be imaged.

Thus, a clear image can bc taken of the vehicle registration plate, substantially square on to the plate so that the numbers and letters or other symbols can be easily extracted.

Letters or symbols contained in a unique identifier may be extracted fwm an image taken by the UICS using image processing solutions such as an optical character recognition (OCR) system, which may also be included in the UICS or in a separate unit.

The feedback device may comprise visual and/or audio devices. Visual devices may include lights or display monitors to indicate to the driver the location of the car in the booth and signal the driver to perfbrm actions, such as stop, move fbrward or reverse the vehicle.

Thus, the feedback device is arranged to pmvide the driver with a clear understanding of the target location for the vehicle.

The visual devices may be positioned inside and/or outside the booth. Accordingly, signals may be given fit,m the outside of the booth, signalling the driver to drive into the booth, whilst signals inside the booth may be given to aid the driver's positioning of the car within the booth.

The feedback device may also include audio devices such as speakers to feedback instructions to the driver audibly, based on the location of the car with respect to the image capture devices and/or the booth.

The booth may be a non-permanent structure and may be of lightweight construction.

Thus, the apparatus can be easily assembled and disassembled and transported to required locations and would render the booth cheap to make and easy to transport.

The booth may comprise one or more walls arranged to at least partially surround the vehicle. At least a portion of the monitoring device may be integrated into at least a portion of the one or more walls ofthe booth.

Thus, interference from outside of the booth will not interfere with monitoring per%rmed by the monitoring device.

At least a portion of the walls of the booth may include a light absorption coating or an antireficction coating.

Thus scattering of light, in particular laser light if lasers are included in the monitoring device, can be suppressed to reduce reflection patterns and hot spots in images captured by the image capture device. Light which may otherwise interfere with image capture operations is absorbed by the exterior surface of the walls or roof The light absorption coating may be a translucent diffusion coating.

The light absorption coating may have a matt finish.

The light absorption coating may comprise aluminium, such as composite aluminium boarding to absorb light.

One or more of the one or more image capture devices may include polarising filters to inhibit extraneous coherent light from reaching image capturing elements of the one or more image capture devices.

The apparatus may further comprise one or more light emitting devices fbr illuminating the booth.

The light emitting devices may be integrated into at least a portion of the one or more walls of the booth. For example, where the booth includes a translucent diffusion coating on the walls, the light emitting device may be located behind the diffusion coating.

Thus, the light may be evenly diffused about the booth and any vehicle located within the booth to provide even distribution of light fbr imaging, whilst also suppressing reflections from any laser beams used to detect a location of a vehicle within the booth.

The light emitting devices may include onc or more light bulbs, fbr example tungsten, fluorescent, light emitting diodes (LEDs), hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide (Htvll), or halogen bulbs.

The light emitting devices may include one or more lasers. One or more of the lasers may act both as part of the light emitting device and as part of the monitoring device.

The light emitting devices may be distributed around the booth, either integrated into the booth or separate to the booth so as to illuminate a substantial portion of the vehicle.

The apparatus may fitrther comprises a light monitoring device including one or more light mctcrs positioned around the booth and/or vehicle to monitor light levels around the booth and/or vehicle.

The light monitoring device may receive light level data from the light meters and adjust the output power of one or more of the light emitting devices depending on the received light level data.

The light monitoring device may adjust the output power of one or more of the light emitting devices to create a substantially uniform light level around the vehicle and/or booth.

Thus, the light level over the body of the vehicle can be kept constant and even in order to avoid light and dark spots over the vehicle body which may otherwise hide surface imperfections and/or damage.

The light monitoring device may adjust the output power of the light emitting devices to maintain the light level around the booth at a predetermined level.

Thus, images taken of different vehicles may all be exposed to the same predetermined level of light.

According to a second aspcct of the invcntion, there is provided an apparatus for imaging a vehicle comprising: a booth; one or more image capture devices; one or more light emitting devices; and a light monitoring device; wherein the light monitoring device monitors light levels at one or more locations around the vehicle and adjusts the output power of one or more of the light emitting devices based on the monitored light levels.

Thus, the light level around the vehicle can be set to enable the image capture devices to acquire a high quality image of the vehicle, removing dependence on the ambient light level.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for imaging a vehicle comprising: a booth including onc or morc walls at Icast partially surrounding thc vchiclc; one or more image capture devices; and one or more light emitting devices; wherein at least a portion of the one or more walls of the booth includes a light absorbent intcrior surfacc or a light diffusing portion.

Thus, light emitted from the light emitting devices may be absorbed or diffused by the light 1 0 absorbent interior surface thereby inhibiting or suppressing undue reflection of light incidcnt on thc booth and any vehicle in thc booth. Accordingly, interference with thc image capture devices may be reduced.

The light absorbent interior surface may include a diffuser, for example a frosted plastic shcct.

Thus, having a diffusing sheet in front of the light emitting device means that light may be diffuse evenly about the booth so that any vehicle located within the booth is provided with a even distribution of light for imaging.

The light absorbent interior surface may be inherently non reflective, or may be treated with an antireflection coating.

Thus, the light absorbent intcrior may supprcss rcflcctions from any laser beams used to detect a location of a vehicle within the booth.

The light absorbent interior surface may have a matt finish.

The light absorbent interior surface may comprise aluminium, such as composite aluminium boarding to absorb light.

One or more of thc onc or more image capture devices may include polarising filters to inhibit extraneous coherent light from reaching image capturing elements of the one or more image capture devices.

S

At least one of the one or more light emitting devices may be included in a monitoring device arranged monitor the location of the vehicle in the booth.

The monitoring device may be arranged to monitor the location of a vehicle with respect to a target location defined by one or more of the one or more image capture devices Light emitting devices included in the monitoring device may include lasers.

The monitoring devices may include video cameras and/or other motion detectors.

At least one of the one or more light emitting devices may be included in a lighting arrangement arranged to illuminate the vehicle to enable accurate imaging thereof Light emitting devices included in the lighting arrangement may include one or more light bulbs, for example tungsten, fluorescent, light emitting diodes (LEDs), hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide (HMI), or halogen bulbs or one or more lasers.

Thc light emitting devices may be distributed around the booth, either integrated into the booth or separate to the booth so as to illuminate a substantial portion of the vehicle.

The apparatus may further comprises a light monitoring device including one or more light meters positioned around the booth and/or vehicle to monitor light levels around the booth and/or vehicle.

Thus, the light level over the body of the vehicle can be kept constant and even in order to avoid light and dark spots over the vehicle body which may otherwise hide surface imperfcctions and/or damage.

Thc image capture devices are preferably positioned so that, when a vehicle is driven into the booth and positioned in the target location, the image capture devices are able to capture images of a substantial part of the body work of the car.

The apparatus may further comprises a unique identifier capture system (UIICS) for capturing and processing images of unique identifiers associated with vehicle being imaged by the apparatus.

The unique identifier may be a vehicle registration plate, a tax disc, or other standardised identifier or any other identifier which is unique only to the vehicle being imaged.

The UICS may include one or more image capture devices, such as a camera or video camera, to capture an image of unique identifier. The UICS may utilise one or more of the image capture devices used to capture images of the body work of the vehicle or the location of the vehicle, if such devices are used.

hi the case of capturing a vehicle registration plate, such an image capture device may be located at the exit of thc booth, pointing in the direction of the longitudinal axis of thc vehicle and in plane sight of a vehicle registration plate of a vehicle to be imaged.

Thus, a clear image can be taken of the vehicle registration plate, substantially square on to the plate so that the numbers and letters or other symbols can be easily extracted.

Letters or symbols contained in a unique identifier may be extracted fitm an image taken by the UICS using image processing solutions such as an optical character recognition (OCR) system, which may also be included in the UICS or in a separate unit.

The one or more of the light emitting devices may be integrated into the portion of the walls and enclosed behind the light absorbent interior surface.

Thus, light emitted from the light emitting devices may be diffbsed about the booth and around any vehicle disposed within the booth.

The apparatus may further include a feedback device fbr supplying location infbrmation flt,m the monitoring device to a driver of the vehicle.

The feedback device may comprises visual and/or audio devices. Visual devices may include lights or display monitors to indicate to the driver the location of the car in the booth and signal the driver to perform actions, such as stop, move fbrward or reverse the vehicle.

Thus, the driver can acquire a clear understanding of where to position the vehicle.

The visual devices may be positioned both inside and outside the booth. Accordingly, signals may be given from the outside of the booth, signalling the driver to drive into the booth, whilst signals inside the booth may be given to aid the driver's positioning of the ear within the booth.

The one or more walls may be arranged to at least partially surround the vehicle. At least a portion of the monitoring device may be integrated into at least a portion of the one or more walls of the booth.

Thus, interference from outside of the booth will not interfere with monitoring performed by the monitoring device.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle imaging apparatus comprising: one or more image capture devices arranged to capturing one or more images of a vehicle; an identifier device arranged to associate a unique identifier with the images of the vehicle; a local server arranged to store the unique identifier and the images of the vehicle and arranged to send the unique identifier to a first remote server, wherein in response to receiving a input query from a second remote server containing the unique identifier, the local server is arranged to send the images of the vehicle to a third remote server.

The first and second remote servers may be the same server.

The second and/or third remote server may comprise a user terminal.

The unique identifier may comprise unique vehicle data.

The apparatus may include the first remote server for receiving unique vehicle data from the local scrvcr and, in rcsponsc to an input query including qucricd uniquc vehicle data, transmitting a request to the local server to transmit one or more captured images linked to the queried unique vehicle data and receive the one or more captured images linked to the queried unique vehicle data from the local server.

The unique vehicle data may include a vehicle registration number or other standardised identifier or any other identifier which is unique only to the vehicle being imaged.

The remote server may receive the input query from a web interface.

The remote server may send the linked images to the web interface to be displayed.

The second resolution is less than or equal to the first resolution.

If the second resolution is less than the first resolution, the remote server may, in response to a further input query, send a request to receive images at a higher resolution than the second resolution.

The remote server may label each of the captured images with a timestamp corresponding to the date and time at which each image was captured.

The vehicle registration numbers may be labelled with a timestamp corresponding to the date and time at which the image of the corresponding vehicle registration plate was captured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle imaging apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1, showing a car in the target location; Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a vehicle imaging apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a block diagram of a vehicle imaging apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAWED DESCRIPTION OF EMBoDIMENTs

Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to imaging of a vehicle and more particularly, the automated imaging of the bodywork of a vehicle, for example a car, motorbike or van. A vehicle may be manoeuvred into a booth with assistance from a guidance system arranged to assist a driver to position a vehicle in a target location.

Images of the outside ofthe vehicle may then be taken in order to achieve a record of the condition of the vehicle. A unique identifier, for example a vehicle registration, may be associated with the images. The images may be stored locally and only transmitted to a remote computer in response to a specific query containing the unique identifier.

The present invention has particular application in the vehicle rental industry and parking industry. Onc application is where the condition of vehicles nccds to be logged and verified. For example, before and after rental where there is a risk that the vehicle may have been subject to damage during the rental, or before or after a vehicle has been checked into a parking lot. However, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that embodiments of the invention have applications in other areas, such as x-ray imaging of vehicles to check for hidden packages in customs or structural damage in garages, or any other application which may require controlled and automated vehicle imaging.

Figures 1 and 2 show a plan view of a vehicle imaging apparatus 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a booth 2 which may include an entrance 4 and an exit 6 together with one or more walls 8 that at least partially surround a vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is inside the booth 2. Optionally, the booth 2 also includes a roof (not shown) covering the top of the booth 2.

A monitoring device is incorporatcd into the apparatus 1 and arrangcd to monitor thc location of a ear 10 with respect to the booth 2. The monitoring device includes laser sensors 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d distributed around the booth 2. Each laser sensor may includes a laser emitter 14e and a corresponding sensor 14s positioned to receive coherent light from the corresponding laser emitter 14e. The laser emitters 14e are preferably orientated so that the emitted laser light is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle W into the booth 2. The laser sensors 12 are positioned so that when a vehicle moves through the booth 2, the laser light is broken by the body of the vehicle 10.

Alternatively, thc height of the sensors 12 may bc positioned so that thc laser is broken by a vehicle's 10 wheels or tracks. The height of both the laser emitters 14 and laser sensors 14s may be varied depending on the vehicle 10 being driven through the booth or may be fixed.

In the configuration shown, foir laser sensors 12 are incorporated into the apparatus 1.

However, a skilled person will appreciate that any number of lasers may be used, as long as an accurate measure of the location of the car can be obtained. Similarly, although the laser emitters 14e are directed across the booth (from wall to wall), other orientations of laser sensors 12 may be implemented. For example, in embodiments where a roof incorporated into the booth, one or more lasers sensors 12 may be incorporated into the roof and a floor of the booth 2.

Alternatively or in addition to the laser sensors 12, the monitoring device may use image capture devices such as cameras or video cameras to monitor the location of the vehicle in the booth 2. Known image processing techniques, such as video motion or video analytics, may be utilised to use the data captured by image captured devices to automate monitoring of the vehicle 10.

The vehicle imaging apparatus 1 further comprises a feedback device 16, 18 which receives data from the monitoring device and provides guidance by way of visual or audio signals to thc drivcr of thc vchicle 10. Accordingly, the feedback device 16, 18 may include visual devices such as lights or display monitors to indicate to the driver the location of the car in the booth and/or signal the driver to perform actions, such as stop, move forward, or reverse the vehicle. Thus, the driver is provided with guidance on how to position the ear in the target location.

In the embodiment illustrated, the feedback device 16, 18 comprises two visual devices.

The first visual device 18 is located outside ofthe booth 2, and indicates to the driver of the vehicle 10 to enter the booth 2. The indication may be by way of red and green lights labelled ISa and lSb respectively. A second visual device 16 is located within the booth 2.

The visual device 16 feeds back various information and instructions to the driver of the vehicle 10, including instructing the driver to stop, move forward, reverse or indicating that images of the vehicle are currently being captured. In the embodiment disclosed, visual device 16 includes a plurality of lights 16a, lOb, 16e, 16d, each light indicating a different instruction/indication. However, this could equally be implemented with any visual display, for example a monitor. In which case, in conjunction with instructions/indications being given to the driver other media may be output, for example, advertising or other information.

Each laser sensor 12 is positioned to detect a different event in the motion of the vehicle 2 though the booth 2. Laser sensor 12a detects entry of the vehicle into the booth and that the rear of the vehicle is within a target region for image capture. Laser sensor 12b detects when the vehicle has reached halve way into the booth, or if the vehicle is higher than a threshold height. Laser sensor 12c detects when the front of the vehicle has reached its target destination. Laser sensor 12d detects when the front of the vehicle has gone to far past its target destination.

During operation, the visual display 18 signals to the driver of the vehicle 10 to start moving the vehicle 10 into the booth via the entrance 4. As the vehicle 10 enters the booth and crosses the path of the laser sensor 1 2a, the monitoring device logs that the vehicle has entered the booth 2. The monitoring device may then signal to the feedback device 16, 18 to indicate to the driver to continue moving forward using the visual device 16. As the vehicle 10 progresses further into the booth 2 and breaks the part of the laser sensor 12b, the monitoring device logs the position of the vehicle halfway through the booth 2. The time at which the vehicle 10 crosses lasers sensors 12a and 12b may also be logged by the monitoring device so that the speed of the vehicle through the booth 2 can be monitored.

Accordingly, if for example the vehicle 10 is moving too fast through the booth a signal may be fed back to the driver via the feedback device 16, 18. As the vehicle progresses yet further into the booth 2 and crosses the laser sensor 12c, this event is logged by the monitoring device and a signal fed back to the driver via the feedback device 16, 18 instructing the driver to stop the vehicle 10 and indicate that the vehicle is positioned in the target location for image capture.

Providing the driver stops the vehicle 10 as instructed, the vehicle 10 will be positioned in the target location ready for image capture. Figure 2 shows the booth 2 in which the vehicle 10 is positioned in the target location wherein laser beams of laser sensors 12b and 12c have been broken and the laser beams of laser sensors 12a and 12d are intact.

If then the vehicle 10 moves too far forward and breaks the laser sensor 12d, the monitoring device will log this event and the feedback device 16, 18 may then instmct the driver to reverse back until the beam of laser sensor 12d is no longer broken.

If the front of the vehicle 10 is positioned so as to break the beam of the laser sensor 12c as shown in figure 2, but the monitoring device detects that the vehicle is also breaking the beam of laser sensor 12a, the monitoring device may declare that the vehicle is too long to be imaged correctly by the image capture devices. The skilled person will appreciate that a similar method could be used to ascertain whether the vehicle is too wide or high or exceeds any other dimension (too small or too large) which inhibits the function of the apparatus 1.

The monitoring device may use other tests to ensure that the vehicle 10 is positioned and stopped in the target location. For example, the monitoring device may wait for a period of time after the laser sensor criteria/conditions have been met before confirming that the vehicle is stopped and positioned. The monitoring device may also detect whether the engine of the vehicle 10 has been switched off using a microphone or other detection device. The skilled person will appreciate that other methods of detection of these criteria arc known in the art. Once the monitoring device has determined that the vehicle 10 is positioned and stopped in the target location, a signal may be sent to the feedback device 16,18 infomi the driver of the vehicle 10 accordingly. Once imaging has been completed, the feedback device may then indicate to the driver that imaging of the vehicle 10 has been completed and that he may now move forward out of the booth.

In addition to the feedback device, as a precaution, the booth 2 may include a barrier 19 to prevent the driver from prematurely removing the vehicle 10 from the booth. The barrier may also be activated by the feedback device, depending on the status of the monitoring device and image capture process.

Once the vehicle 10 has been positioned in the target location within the vehicle imaging apparatus, imaging of the vehicle may commence.

As shown in Figure 2 the booth 2 includes image capture devices 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20f. The image capture devices 20 may be cameras, video cameras or any other devices able to capture images of characteristics of the vehicle 10, for example x-ray imaging could be used to locate structural damage in metal components. The image capture device(s) may capture images at any wavelength of the electromagnetic spectrum, such visible, infra red or x-ray as is known in the art.

Image capture devices 20 may be positioned around the booth so that images can be capture ofat least a portion and preferably all of the bodywork of the vehicle 10.

One or more image capture devices 20 may be positioned to capture image of unique identifiers located on the vehicle. For example, where the unique identifier is a vehicle registration plate positioned on the front or back of the vehicle, an image capture device may be positioned in front and/or behind the vehicle to capture an image of the vehicle registration plate.

One or more light emitting devices 22 may be incorporated into the apparatus 1 and in particular into the booth 2. The one or more light emitting devices 22 may include light bulbs, for example tungsten, fluorescent, light emitting diodes (LEDs), hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide (HMI), or halogen bulbs.

The one or more light emitting devices may be incorporated into one or more of one or more ofthe walls of roof (if present) of the booth 2.

The booth 2 comprises at least one wall 2 and optionally a roof (not shown). At least a portion 24 of the interior wall or walls of the booth may include a light diffusing material, with at least some of the one or more light emitting devices 22 disposed behind the portion.

Accordingly, the combination of the light emitting devices 22 and diffusing portions 24 may create an even distribution of light around the booth 2 and vehicle 10 in order to enhance the image taken by the one or more image capture devices 20. The light diffusing material may optionally cover substantially all of the walls and/or roof At least a portion of the interior walls 26 and/or roof of the booth 2 may comprises of a light absorbent material. Reflected or dispersed light emitted from the light emitting devices 22 or the laser sensors 12 or any other unwanted light may then be absorbed, thus reducing hot and dark spots on the vehicle 10 body which may interfere with the imaging of the vehicle 10. Thus, light directly emitted from the laser sensors 12 or indirectly reflected or dispersed from that or any other light sources may be absorbed by the light absorbcnt interior surface thereby inhibiting or supprcssing undue reflection of light incident on the booth and any vehicle in the booth, thereby reducing interference which may otherwise render captured images inaccurate.

Portions of light diffusion and light absorbent material may be integrated into the same portion 22, 26. Accordingly, if a light emitting device 22 is hidden behind a diffusion screen 24 for example, that diffusion screen 24 may also act to absorb reflected, refracted or dispersed light or otherwise unwanted light.

The apparatus 1 may further comprises a light monitorillg device which may include one or more light meters preferably distributed around the booth 2 and/or vehicle 10. The light meters may be incorporated as part of one or more of the one or more image capture devices 20. One or more of the light meters may be separate modules.

Thc light monitoring device may receive mcasurcmcnts of light levels from the light meters. Based on the measurements, the light monitoring device may the adjust the output power of one or more of the one or more light emitting devices 22. The light monitoring device may adjust the light emitting devices 22 so as to create a substantially uniform light lcvel around the vchiclc 10 and/or booth 2. Thus, thc light level ovcr thc body of tim vehicle 10 can be kept constant and even, in order to avoid light and dark spots over the vehicle 10 body which may otherwise hide surface imperfections and/or damage. The light monitoring device may adjust the output power of the light emitting devices 22 to maintaill the light level around the booth at a predetermined level. Thus, images taken of different vehicles 10 may all be exposed to the same predetermined level of light.

The apparatus and systems described above may also be implemented in an apparatus including a booth whcrcin the exit and cntrancc are intcrchangcable. Figure 3 illustratcs such an imaging apparatus 30, comprising a booth 32 equivalent to the booth 2 shown in figures 1 to 2. However the booth has two entrances so that a vehicle 34 can either enter from the left (as viewed in figure 3), or from the right. Here, the vehicle 34 is pictured twice to illustratc the symmctry of the booth's 32 design. Since the booth must function symmetrically, i.e. whether a car enters from the left or right side, the booth 32 may comprises two barriers 36, a feedback device comprising two visual displays 38, 40 on the outside of the booth 32, and two visual displays 42, 44 on the inside of the booth. Further, the monitoring device may include a symmetrical set of laser sensors 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, 46e as shown in figure 3 in order to function regardless of the direction in which the vehicle 34 travels through the apparatus 30. The skilled person will apprcciate that although the apparatus illustrated in the figure 3 compriscs thc above mcntioncd featurcs, embodimcnts of thc present invcntion are not limited to thcsc fcatures. Variations of features which have been explained with reference to figures 1 and 2 also apply to embodiments according to figure 3.

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a storage and transfer system 50 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Images captured by the image capture devices 20 shown in figure 2 may be stored on a local server 52, local to the booth 2 or booth 30. Such images are preferably labelled in the local server with unique vehicle data extracted from the images of the unique identifiers taken by the image capture devices 20.

Extraction of the unique vehicle data from images of the unique identifiers may be performed by a vehicle data extractor 54 using known image processing techniques. For example, where the unique identifier is a vehicle registration plate, optical character recognition (OCR) may be used to extract letters and numbers from the vehicle registration plate. Other methods of extraction of symbols etc are known in the art. As mentioned above, the captured vehicle images are then preferably labelled with the extracted unique vehicle data and stored in a database on the server 52.

The unique vehicle data may then be transferred via a network 55 or other communication link known in the art to a remote server 56 for storage. However, the captured images, labelled with the unique vehicle data do not need to be communicated to the remote server 56 but instead can be locally stored in the local server 52.

The remote server 56 may be connected to a user interface via a communications network such as the intemet or other network 55 known in the art. This network may be the same network 55 as that on which the remote server 56 communicates with the local server 52, or alternatively it may be a different network.

Users 58, which may be the drivers or people associated with a particular vehicle 10, 34 or other authenticated users can logon to a website or other interface to request photos of particular vehicles 10, 34 which have been imaged by the imaging apparatus 1, 30. This request may include a unique identifier either input by the user or linked to an account which the user is authenticated to use. This information along with other information may then be communicated to the remote server 56 for processing.

On receipt of a query, which preferably contains information relating the unique identifier of an imaged vehicle, the remote server 56 may send a request, containing a unique identifier, to the local server 52 requesting the local server 52 to return one or more images labelled with the unique identifier to the remote server. On receipt of the request, the local server 52 may check to see if any images exist that are labelled with the unique identifier and send those images to the remote server 56. The remote server 56 may then upload thosc images to be displayed to the uscr on the user intcrface.

Accordingly, images taken by the image capture devices need not be transmitted to the remote server 56 unless queried by the user interface, thereby reducing traffic on the network 55.

The above system 50 may include a plurality of local servers 52, each server connected to a different image capture apparatus 1. The system therefore removes the need to have a large remote storage medium for all images. Instead, captured images can be stored in local servers, and only transmitted on a "need to view" basis.

Optionally, remote server 56 may be split into a plurality of remote servers. For example, a uscr 58 may link via the uscr interface directly to the local servcr 52 for transfcrring images from the local sever 52 to the user 58. Further, a query which may include a unique identifier may be transmifted directly from the user interface to the local server 52.

The word "scrver" mcans any computing dcvicc which managcs acccss to rcsourccs and shoidd be interpreted in its broadest sense. For example, the user interface is a server ill respect that it manages access to images from the local server 52. The skilled person will appreciate that a server maybe implemented using any capable computing device.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scopc of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parenthesis shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" can mean "including" or "consisting of' and therefore does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. In an apparatus claim enumerating several parts, several of these parts may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for imaging a vehicle comprising: one or more image capture devices, each image capture device having a field of view; a monitoring device for generating locations signals based on the location of a vehicle with respect to a target location, the target location being within the field of view of the one or more image capture devices; and a feedback device arranged to receive the location signals from the monitoring device and provide guidance infonnation to a driver of the vehicle.
2. An apparatus according to claim!, further comprising a booth within which the one or more image capture devices, monitoring device and/or feedback device are provided.
3. An apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the monitoring devices couipiises one or more laser beams.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the laser beams point in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle.
5. An apparatus according to claims 3 or 4 wherein the laser beams are located at either end of the booth.
6. An apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 5 wherein two of the laser beams are located at either end of the booth.
7. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 or 6 wherein the monitoring device comprises one or more video cameras and/or motion detectors.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein where the monitoring device comprises one or more video cameras, one or more of the video cameras are also one or more of the image capture devices.
9. An apparatus according to any of claims 7 or 8 wherein information regathing the position of the vehicle is acquired from the video cameras and/or motion detectors using video motion analysis and/or image processing.
10. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein one or more of the image capture devices arc cameras or video cameras.
11. An apparatus according to any of claims I to 10 wherein the vehicle has bodywork and the image capture devices are positioned so that, when the vehicle is position in the target location, the image capture dcviccs can capture images of a substantial portion of thc bodywork of the vehicle.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a unique identifier capture system (UICS) arranged to capture images of one or more unique identifiers associated with the vehicle and extract unique vehicle data from one or more of the one or more unique identifiers.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein one or more of the unique identifiers comprise a vehicle registration plate or a tax disc.
14. An apparatus according to claims 12 or 13, wherein the UICS includes one or more UICS image capturc devices, such as a camera or video camera.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the one or more UICS image capture devices are also one or more of the image capture devices.
16. An apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the unique vehicle data is extracted from the unique identifiers using optical character recognition (OCR).
17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the feedback device comprises one or more visual devices and/or audio devices.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17, whercin one or more of the visual devices comprisc lights or display monitors.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein one or more of the audio devices comprises one or more speakers.
20. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 19, wherein the booth is a non-permanent structure.
21. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 20, wherein the booth comprises one or more walls arranged to at least partially surround the vehicle.
22. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 21, wherein at least a portion of the monitoring device is integrated into at least a portion of the booth.
23. An apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 22, wherein at least a portion of the booth comprises a coating of a light absorbent or anti-reflective material.
24. An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the coating comprises a diffusion coating and/or aluminium, such as composite aluminium board.
25. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the one or more image capture devices may include polarising filters to inhibit extraneous light from reaching image capturing elements of the one or more image capture devices.
26. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more light emitting devices arranged to illuminate at least a portion of the vehicle.
27. An apparatus according to claim 26 when dependent on claims 2 to 25, wherein the one or more light emitting devices arc integrated into at least a portion of the booth.
28. An apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 27, wherein the one or more light emitting devices comprises one or more light bulbs, such as tungsten, fluorescent, hydrargyrum medium-arc iodide (ElM I), or halogen bulbs and/or one or more light emitting diodes (LED5) and/or one or more lasers.
29. An apparatus according to claim 28, whcrcin where thc onc or more light cmitting devices comprises one or more lasers, the lasers also form part of the monitoring device.
30. An apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 29 further comprising a light monitoring device including one or more light meters positioned around the booth and/or vehicle to monitor light levels around thc booth and/or vchiclc.
31. An apparatus according to claim 30 wherein the light monitoring device is arranged to receive light lcvcl data from thc light metcrs and adjust the output powcr of onc or more of thc light cmitting dcviccs dcpcnding on thc rcccivcd light lcvcl data.
32. An apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the light monitoring device is operable to adjust the output power of one or more of the light emitting devices to create a substantially uniform light lcvcl around the vehicle and/or booth.
33. An apparatus for imaging a vehicle comprising: a booth including one or more walls at least partially surrounding the vehicle; one or more image capture devices; and one or more light emitting devices; wherein at least a portion of the one or more walls of the booth includes a light absorbent intcrior surfacc or a light diffusing portion.
34. An apparatus according to claim 33, light absorbent interior surface comprises one or more of the following: a) a diffuser, such as a frosted plastic or glass sheet; b) a matt finish; c) aluminium, such as composite aluminium board.
35. An apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 34, whercin onc or more of the onc or more image capture devices include polarising filters to inhibit coherent light from reaching image capturing elements of the one or more image capture devices.
36. An apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 35, wherein onc or morc of thc imagc capturc devices compriscs a camcra or a video camcra.
37. An apparatus according to any of claim 35 whercin information regarding the position of the vehicle is acquired from the video cameras and/or motion detectors using video motion analysis and/or image processing.
38. An apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 36 further comprising a feedback device for supplying location information from the monitoring device to a driver of the vehicle.
39. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the feedback device comprises one or morc visual and/or audio dcviccs.
40. An apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 39 further comprising a light monitoring device including one or more light meters positioned around the booth and/or vehicle to monitor light levels around the booth and/or vehicle.
41. An apparatus according to claim 40 wherein the light monitoring device is arranged to receive light level data from the light meters and adjust the output power of one or more of the light emitting devices depending on the received light level data.
42. An apparatus according to claim 41 wherein the light monitoring device is operable to adjust the output power of one or more of the light emitting devices to crcatc a substantially uniform light lcvcl around thc vehicle and/or booth.
43. A vehicle imaging apparatus comprising: one or more image capture devices arranged to capturing one or more images of a vehicle; an identifier device arranged to associate a unique identifier with the images of the vehicle; a local server arranged to store the unique identifier and the images of the vehicle and arranged to send the unique identifier to a first remote server, wherein in response to receiving a input query from a second remote server containing the unique identifier, the local server is arranged to send the images of the vehicle to a third remote server.
44. The apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the first and second remote servers are the same server.
45. The apparatus according to any of claims 43 or 44, wherein the second and/or third remote server comprise a user terminal.
46. The apparatus according to any of claims 43 to 45, wherein the unique identifier comprises unique vehicle data.
47. The apparatus according to claim 45 whcrcin the first rcmotc scrvcr rcccivcs uniquc vehicle data from the local server and, in response to an input query including queried unique vehicle data, transmits a request to the local server to transmit one or more captured images linked to the queried unique vehicle data and receive the one or more captured images linked to the queried unique vehicle data from thc local server.
48. The apparatus according to claim 45 or 46. wherein the unique vehicle data includes a vehicle registration number or any other identifier which is unique only to the vehicle being imaged.