WO2008041081A1

WO2008041081A1 - Autonomous system for detecting that a vehicle has exceeded a speed limit

Info

Publication number: WO2008041081A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/002834
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nikos Ioannou
Original assignee: Nikos Ioannou
Priority date: 2006-10-04
Filing date: 2007-09-27
Publication date: 2008-04-10
Also published as: FR2906920A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an autonomous system for detecting that a vehicle (22) has exceeded at least one speed limit predefined by the competent authority, of the kind comprising a registration plate (1) with which said vehicle is equipped and an acquisition means (20) for acquiring the image of said plate, consisting of two cameras (20). The system according to the invention is essentially characterized in that: one of the cameras (20) is assigned to just acquisition of the registration number (2) of the vehicle and has an instant exposure time, whereas the other of the cameras (20) is assigned to just the acquisition of the image of the visual marks (10-13) and has an exposure time adjusted according to the predefined speed limit to be detected and the interval separating a pair of defined marks in such a way that said interval disappears when the permitted speed limit is reached by the vehicle.

Description

AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE EXCEEDING BY A VEHICLE OF A LIMITED SPEED

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an autonomous system for detecting the overtaking by a vehicle of at least one speed limit predefined by the competent authority. BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

The autonomous system according to the invention is of the type comprising: a) a plate equipping the vehicle, placed on the side or on the roof thereof, at the front or at the rear instead of the number plates, provided with data, in particular the registration number, for identifying it and with visual markers for detecting the exceeding of the predefined limit speed or speeds; b) a means for capturing the image of the identification plate consisting of at least two digital cameras, a means for interpreting the overflow (s) and a means for transmitting the captured and interpreted images to a traffic safety center; authorized via a communication network; said cameras simultaneously capturing the image of the identification plate; said means being placed either on the side of the roadway orthogonally or obliquely to the direction of travel of the vehicle, or above it. The closest state of the art is described in the following patents: US 3120992 which discloses an overspeed detecting system using an optical device which takes two pictures of a license plate to deduce the speed of the vehicle;

WO93 / 19441 which discloses a vehicle surveillance system comprising two cameras, one of which has an exposure time of 20 ms and the other an exposure time of 1 ms; - DE1523184 which discloses a system in which the speed of a vehicle is estimated from the offset of two successive photographs taken from the same vehicle in motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the invention is to implement an autonomous system for detecting the overtaking by a vehicle of at least one speed limit predefined by the competent authority, of a completely new and original type, of small size, which can be placed anywhere on the side of the road or above it, not easily detectable by drivers. The invention also aims to provide a cheap device that can be widely used and without an operator, the competent authority being able to control a large number of roads and at all hours.

It also provides proof of the offense without revealing the driver or passengers.

It concerns for this purpose, a system which comprises: a) a plate equipping said vehicle, placed on the side or on the roof thereof, at the front or at the rear instead of the number plates, provided with data, in particular the registration number, intended to identify it and visual cues for detecting the exceeding of the predefined limit speed or speeds; b) a means for capturing the image of the identification plate consisting of at least two digital cameras, a means for interpreting the overflow (s) and a means for transmitting the captured and interpreted images to a traffic safety center; authorized via a communication network; said cameras simultaneously capturing the image of the identification plate; said means being placed either on the side of the roadway orthogonally or obliquely to the direction of travel of the vehicle, or above it. According to the basic features of the invention:

one of the cameras is assigned solely to entering the vehicle identification number and has an instantaneous exposure time, in particular between 1/1000 and

1/5000 seconds;

the other of the cameras is assigned solely to capturing the image of the visual cues and has an exposure time, in particular between 1/200 and 1/400 seconds, adjusted according to the predefined speed limit to be detected and the interval separating a pair of determined landmarks such that said gap disappears when the authorized speed limit is reached by the vehicle.

According to alternative embodiments of the invention, the means for detecting the exceeding of the predefined limit speed or speeds consist of either pairs of colored bands or pairs of indicator lights or a combination of the two arranged longitudinally in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the spacing of each pair is a function of the speed limit that it must detect and a time of exposure of the adjustable camera well defined.

According to the additional features of the invention, the system comprises:

means for detecting the presence of a vehicle, capable of transmitting an activation signal to the image acquisition means of the identification plate; - a traffic light controller signaling an intersection, capable of transmitting, to means for detecting the presence of a vehicle in the stopping zone adjacent to said traffic lights, for the duration of their red position, a signal indicating said state so that said detecting means in turn transmits an activation signal to the image pickup means of the identification plate;

means for transmitting the captured and interpreted images to an authorized road safety center via a communication network.

The speed limit identification and detection card may for example comprise two or more speeds to be detected from visual cues located on the same line or on several lines. For each limit speed to be detected, the marks are arranged in such a way that, when the vehicle reaches said speed, the interval between them disappears on the shooting performed by the digital camera during the adjustable exposure time predefined by the camera. competent authority and on the basis of a resolution of the speed per pixel (km / hour). The juxtaposition of lines or lights is proof that the speed limit has been reached.

As for the data relating to the identification of the vehicle, they are captured by the other camera which has a very fast exposure time allowing a sharp shooting as if the vehicle was immobile. The means for interpreting markers relating to the detection of the exceeding of the predefined limit speed or speeds, can preferably be incorporated in a processor (such as a laptop) connected to the digital camera which captures the image of said markers.

The means for transmitting the captured and interpreted images to an authorized road safety center via a communication network may also preferably be incorporated in said processor.

The system according to the invention can be realized by means of modules existing on the market, for example:

a light beam proximity switch for detecting the presence of a vehicle; - digital cameras with memory, adjustable exposure times and a communication link, preferably wireless as "bluetooth";

- a laptop with a communication link with the camera and a "GSM" phone. The system according to the invention can also be realized by means of a specific apparatus integrating two cameras, a processor, communication means and also, optionally, the vehicle detection means. The laptop can be controlled by means of a specific program that interprets the images containing the offenses.

The particular dimensions of all the components used lead to the realization of small size systems.

The identification and detection cards can be made of inexpensive self-adhesive flexible plastic material, printed by conventional means (inkjet or other type), easily adaptable to all types of vehicles.

They can also contain integrated authentication means avoiding the use of false cards.

Finally, the system according to the invention can also be placed near the traffic lights signaling an intersection to detect, when the lights are red, a moving vehicle beyond the stop line. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

The features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows of at least one preferred embodiment thereof given by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings. On these drawings:

FIG. 1 represents an identification and detection card integrating two pairs of detection strips;

FIG. 2 represents the image of the map of FIG. 1, placed on a vehicle traveling at a speed greater than the limit defined by the first pair and lower than that defined by the second, when it is captured by a camera having a predefined exposure time;

FIG. 3 shows the approximate position of an identification and detection card placed on the side of a vehicle;

FIG. 4 represents the system according to the invention associating a vehicle, the vehicle detection means, the digital cameras, the processor, the communication means, the communication network, an authorized control center;

FIG. 5 represents an identification and detection card integrating two pairs of bands and detection LEDs juxtaposed at identical intervals;

FIG. 6 represents an identification and detection card integrating several pairs of detection lights at different intervals, arranged on two lines; - Figure 7 shows the system of Figure 4 associating a traffic light controller signaling an intersection.

- Figure 8 shows the system of Figure 4 wherein the cameras are arranged obliquely to capture the image of an identification plate located instead of the front or rear license plates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The autonomous system for detecting the overtaking by a vehicle of at least one speed limit predefined by the competent authority, represented in the figures, essentially implements: a plate (1) equipping said vehicle (22), placed on the side or on the roof of the vehicle, at the front or at the rear instead of the license plates, provided with data (2), in particular the registration number, intended to identify it and visual reference marks. (10-13, 30-33, 41-49) for detecting the exceeding of the predefined limit speed (s); means (20) for capturing the image of the identification plate (1) consisting of at least two digital cameras, means (23) for interpreting the overrange (s) and transmission means (24) images captured and interpreted at an authorized traffic safety center (25) via a communication network (26); said cameras simultaneously capturing the image of the identification plate; said means being placed either on the side of the roadway orthogonally or obliquely to the direction of travel of the vehicle, or above it. According to the basic features of the invention:

one of the cameras (20) is assigned solely to entering the identification number (2) of the vehicle and has an instantaneous exposure time; the other of the cameras (20) is assigned solely to the input of the image of the visual cues (10-13, 30-33, 41-49) and has an exposure time adjusted according to the predetermined speed limit to detect and the interval between a pair of pins determined such that said gap disappears when the authorized speed limit is reached by the vehicle. The first camera has an exposure time that can be between 1/1000 and 1/5000 seconds including 1/3000 seconds.

The second camera has an exposure time that can be between 1/200 and 1/400 seconds including 1/300 seconds. The means (20) for capturing the image of the identification plate (1) can comprise their own storage memories of the captured images. Stored data can also include time, place and time of exposure.

The means for detecting the exceeding of the predefined limit speed (s) may consist of either pairs (10-11, 12-13) of colored bands (10-13) or pairs (30, 31 and 32, 33). ) and (41, 42 to 48,49) of indicator lights (30-33, 41-49), arranged longitudinally in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the spacing of each pair of which is a function of the limit speed that it must detect and a well-defined adjustable camera exposure time.

They may also consist of a combination of said pairs of colored bands (10-13) and said pairs of indicator lights (30-33), in particular of the light-emitting diode type, arranged at the ends of the intervals delimited by each pair of said bands.

For example (Fig.2), the vehicle is traveling at a speed greater than the limit defined by the first pair of bands (10,11) and lower than that defined by the second (12,13). The camera is placed along a perpendicular or oblique shooting axis, in particular at 45 °, in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

For each limit speed to be detected, the marks are arranged in such a way that, when the vehicle reaches said speed, the interval between them disappears on the shooting done by the digital camera during the adjustable exposure time predefined by the camera. competent authority and on the basis of a resolution of the speed per pixel

(Km / hour).

The number of lines and markings for the detection of limit speeds is predefined by the competent authority.

In the case of heavy vehicles, several plates adapted to the detection of different speeds, can equip them.

The cards in question will have colors allowing a high contrast between the characters and landmarks to grasp and the background, such as the use of phosphor paints.

The identification plates may incorporate photovoltaic cells (40) or batteries as well as an electronic control circuit for the indicator lights (30-

33, 41-49) which are activated day and night when the vehicle is moving.

The cameras are associated with infrared or flash type means for illuminating the data of the identification and detection plate. The system may also include: means (21) for detecting the presence of a vehicle, capable of transmitting an activation signal to the means (20) for capturing the image of the identification plate (1);

a traffic signal controller (50) signaling an intersection, capable of transmitting, to means (21) for detecting the presence of a vehicle in the stopping zone (51) adjacent to said traffic lights, during the period of their red position, a signal indicating said state so that said detection means (21) in turn transmit an activation signal to the means (20) for capturing the image of the identification plate ( 1); means (23), in particular a processor, intended for interpreting markers relating to the detection of the exceeding of the predefined limit speed or speeds: the processor analyzes the images coming from the camera in order to detect and store those containing an offense ;

means (24) for transmitting the captured and interpreted images to an authorized road safety center (25), via a communication network (26), which can either be sent by post to the offender or sent to the infringer, by means of an authorized vehicle located in the area of the offense, a report of the said offense.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown for which the skilled person can provide other variants, in particular in:

the types of plates, means of identification and visual reference marks for detecting the exceeding of the limit speed or speeds;

- the types of means for capturing images, interpreting the data entered, transmitting the data entered and interpreted;

- the types of vehicles to be checked.

Claims

1- Autonomous system for detecting the overtaking by a vehicle of at least one speed limit predefined by the competent authority, comprising: a) a plate (1) equipping said vehicle (22), placed on the side or on the roof thereof, at the front or at the rear instead of the license plates, provided with data (2), in particular the registration number, intended to identify it and visual reference marks (10-13, 30-33, 41-49) for detecting the exceeding of the predefined limit speed (s); b) means (20) for capturing the image of the identification plate (1) consisting of at least two digital cameras, means (23) for interpreting the overrange (s) and means (24) for transmitting captured and interpreted images to an authorized traffic safety center (25) via a communication network (26); said cameras simultaneously capturing the image of the identification plate; said means being placed either on the side of the roadway orthogonally or obliquely to the direction of travel of the vehicle, or above it; characterized in that

one of the cameras (20) is assigned solely to entering the identification number (2) of the vehicle and has an instantaneous exposure time;

the other of the cameras (20) is assigned solely to the input of the image of the visual cues (10-13, 30-33, 41-49) and has an exposure time adjusted according to the predetermined speed limit to detect and the interval between a pair of pins determined such that said gap disappears when the authorized speed limit is reached by the vehicle.

2- System according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting the exceeding of the predetermined speed limit or speeds consist of pairs of colored bands (10-13) disposed longitudinally in the direction of travel of the vehicle .

3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting the exceeding of the predefined limit speed or speeds consist of pairs (30, 31 and 32, 33) and (41, 42 to 48, 49). indicator lights (30-33, 41-49) arranged longitudinally in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

4. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting the exceeding of the limit speed or authorized speeds are constituted simultaneously: a) pairs of colored bands (10-13) arranged longitudinally in the direction of the vehicle running, the spacing of each pair is a function of the speed predefined limit that it must detect and a well-defined adjustable camera exposure time; b) pairs of indicator lights (30-33) arranged at the ends of the intervals delimited by each pair of said strips (10-13). 5- System according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the identification plates incorporate photovoltaic cells (40) or batteries and an electronic control circuit lights (30-33, 41-49) .

6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means (21) for detecting the presence of a vehicle, capable of transmitting an activation signal to the means (20) for capturing the signal. picture of the identification plate (1).

7- System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a controller (50) traffic signals signaling an intersection, capable of transmitting, means (21) for detecting the presence of a vehicle in the stop zone (51) adjacent to said traffic lights, for the duration of their red position, a signal indicating said state so that said detection means (21) in turn transmit an activation signal to the means ( 20) for capturing the image of the identification plate (1).

8- System according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (20) for capturing the image of the identification plate (1) comprise their own storage memories of captured images.