Abstract: Apparatus and a method for classifying objects moving in a defined range 18 within an operational region is disclosed and claimed. The apparatus finds particular application as a vehicle counter 10. The apparatus is mounted adjacent a road 18 and utilizes a distance-finder 12 to obtain a sequence of distance data relating to a vehicle passing on the road. The distance data and time data are utilised by a signal generator 34 to generate on two-dimensional pattern, wherein one dimension is time and the other is distance, representing the vehicle in the range. A filter filters out data relating to objects falling outside the range, thereby to limit unwanted noise. A neural net 38 classifies the pattern according to one of a plurality of classes, including direction of travel. Counter 40 is used to count vehicles classified as moving in direction A or direction B.

Abstract: An array of spaced parallel linear radiation beams are projected across a passage in sequentially spaced regions. Detectors sense when the beams are interrupted by one or more persons moving in the passage in either of two opposite directions. The beams are interrupted at different times in a sequence corresponding to the number of and direction of movement of persons. The sequentially generated interrupted beam signals are stored as object movement historic information in memory and later processed to generate composite beam interrupt patterns manifesting the number of persons and direction of movement, the patterns being a function of time domain and sensor index, i.e., sensor identity and position in the passage. The resulting generated patterns are compared to reference patterns utilizing computerized pattern recognition analysis such as with an artificial neural network. The comparison classifies the persons in the passage into direction of movement and number.