Abstract: In an image processor for synthesizing images that have been taken by multiple cameras mounted on a vehicle, even if any movable part of the vehicle has changed its state, the synthesized image will have no unnatural part. A pixel synthesizer receives the images that have been captured by the cameras included in an imaging section and generates the synthesized image by reference to a mapping table. Receiving a signal indicative of the state of a movable part such as the door or hood of the vehicle, a display mode changer disables at least one of the cameras that is taking an image to be affected by any change in the state of the movable part. For that purpose, the changer rewrites mapping data stored on the mapping table and thereby eliminates the image in question from the synthesized image.

Abstract: A method for controlling the exposure of a stationary mounted video camera is proposed, which makes it possible to attain an optimal exposure even in difficult light circumstances. For this purpose, measuring zones in the image are evaluated and, using the evaluation, a correction factor is calculated which influences the exposure parameters of the camera.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base having a perimeter including a plurality of sides and a module opening formed in one of the sides. A display panel having a viewing surface is housed by a cover pivotally connected to the base for movement between an open position and a closed position. The cover includes a visor extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the viewing surface of the display panel, such that the visor covers a portion of the module opening when the cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: Road area blocks of monitoring camera video data are extracted by a road area block extractor, and motion vectors are calculated by a motion vector calculator. A motion vector direction detector detects the directions of the motion vectors. In a normal state, the mean value &THgr; and the variance &sgr;e2 of the directions &thgr; of the motion vectors are calculated and accumulated in a statistics memory. In detection of road obstructions, the directions of the motion vectors detected by the motion vector direction detector are transmitted to an abnormal motion vector degree Q calculator. An abnormal motion vector degree Q is calculated on the basis of the statistics accumulated in the statistics accumulated in the statistics memory. A comparator compares the abnormal motion vector degree Q with a threshold. When the abnormal motion vector degree Q is equal to or larger than the threshold, road obstructions are decided.

Abstract: A compact video image recording device for recording video images before and after a triggering event and which utilizes no moving parts is disclosed. The recording device includes at least one camera wherein each camera comprises a lens and a video image sensor. Each video image sensor generates an electronic signal representative of a video image impinging the respective sensor. The output of each image sensor is processed, compressed and generally employed to produce frame data which are successively stored in a successive frame locations of a semiconductor memory organized as a circular buffer memory. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, a additional frames are stored in the buffer memory and further storage of frames then terminates. A video record is thus created of video images received both before and after the triggering event via a device which contains no moving parts and which can withstand substantial shock and vibration.

Abstract: A security gate breach detection and reporting system is disclosed, which includes a breach detector responsive to the simultaneous receipt of signals from the security gate indicative of a breach, and adapted to generate an imaging control signal; at least one digital image producing device at the location of the security gate connected to the imaging control signal and adapted to produce image data responsive to receipt of the imaging control signal; a communication unit responsive to the breach detector and in data contact with the at least one image producing device, directly or through the breach detector, and, responsive to a signal from the breach detector, adapted to communicate image data to a remote location; and, wherein the signals from the security gate comprise signals indicating that the security gate is in the closed position and a vehicle is passing through the gate area, or signals indicating that the security gate has not returned to the closed position and a second vehicle is passing throu

Abstract: A vehicle traffic detecting device is provided with an automatic cleaning device. The detecting device has an emitter and a receiver facing each other and respectively emitting and receiving a beam of electromagnetic radiation along opposite ends of a beam path. The cleaning device has first and second cleaning units for respectively cleaning the emitter and the receiver. Each cleaning unit includes a fastener fastening the cleaning unit to a casing of the detecting device, a dispenser dispensing a transparent film, a contoured guide defining a film path along which the dispensed film resides, and an actuator for moving the dispensed film along the defined film path. A portion of the defined film path is located in front of the emitter/receiver of the detecting device and thereby positions a portion of the dispensed film in front of the emitter/receiver of the detecting device.

Abstract: A device for monitoring traffic is designed as a portable hand-held device and includes a measuring unit for measuring a traffic state such as speed of a vehicle, a microphone and a language or voice recorder. Furthermore, the device has a language generator which acoustically outputs the measuring result of the measuring unit. The acoustically output measuring result is also recorded by the language or voice recorder. This permits acoustic documentation of the measuring procedure and its circumstances.

Abstract: A traffic management systems, combining different monitoring capabilities, beginning with standard WIM (Weigh in Motion) systems for axle weight measurements, combined with tire pressure monitoring in motion and suspension monitoring in motion, whereby for all three specialties, novel road embedded force measuring sensors are used, partly for force measurement and partly for switching operation upon touching the edge of the sensors by the onrolling tire, whereby all possible combinations of the three specialties are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The invention includes a traffic information system having servers that makes traffic data, images and video clips available to client devices in a common format that is independent of the format used within any particular public highway monitoring system that supplies the raw media elements. The invention further includes a user interface for depiction on a graphical display surface. The user interface has a road map showing a plurality of road segments that a user can interactively select. In addition, the user interface has a road image area that changes as the user selects different road segments to show recent images of a currently selected road segment. The images are obtained from public highway monitoring systems. Both a broad view and a detail view are available. In the broad view, highways are broken into high level segments and corresponding data such as average speed or travel time is shown only for the high level segments.

Abstract: A display is described which is arranged in a motor vehicle in the area of the windshield. A sun visor will not be required when electrochromic glass is used in the case of the windshield. This also eliminates the make-up mirror. A camera is therefore integrated into the display such that an object photographed by the camera is shown on the display as a mirror image.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for collecting an distributing real-time, high resolution images of the Earth from GEO include an electro-optical sensor based on multi-megapixel two-dimensional charge coupled device (CCD) arrays mounted on a geostationary platform. At least four, three-axis stabilized satellites in Geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) provide worldwide coverage, excluding the poles. Image data that is collected at approximately 1 frame/sec, is broadcast over high-capacity communication links (roughly 15 MHZ bandwidth) providing real-time global coverage of the Earth at sub-kilometer resolutions directly to end users. This data may be distributed globally from each satellite through a system of space and ground telecommunication links.

Abstract: A video-audio surveillance system for a motor vehicle is suitable for observing blind spots as well as for providing security for the vehicle and its contents. The system includes audio-video transmission modules positioned at selected locations on the exterior and interior of the vehicle. An operator or observer either in the vehicle or otherwise monitors the video and audio signals from the modules through a monitoring unit.

Abstract: An image storing and processing device is provided in which image information is efficiently stored of an event that may unpredictably happen at any time, and in which retrieval thereof is facilitated and further storage capacity is sharply improved. An analog video signal inputted from an external pick-up device 6 is converted to a digital video signal with an A/D conversion part 1, which digital video signal is then compressed in an image data compression part 2, and the resulting compression data is stored in a memory part 3. The stored image compression data is transferred to an image data expansion part 4 and is selected and expanded, and resulting image expansion data is converted to an analog signal in a D/A conversion part 5 and is then sent to a television monitor 9 for display thereof.

Abstract: A rear-view monitor for use in vehicles is provided, in which contained are vehicle-mounted image pickup means for picking up images of road in the rear of one's own vehicle at every fixed time; and detection means for detecting an overtaking vehicle by processing road images obtained by the image pickup means. The monitor keeps monitoring of relative movement between one's own vehicle and the overtaking vehicle detected by the detection means. The monitor is characterized in that the image pickup means contain a wide-angle high resolution camera, and the detection means include: first image processing means for processing the whole road images obtained by the image pickup means by sampling image data; second image processing means for processing a part of road images obtained by the image pickup means without sampling image data; and selection means for selecting either the first image processing means or the second image processing means in response to a situation of traffic.

Abstract: The present invention measures traffic congestion by utilizing a video camera to capture images of vehicles travelling on a road and analyzing sample points that are assigned to different aspects of the images. For example, presence and movement sample points correspond to the expected location and motion of the vehicles respectively. The sample points adjacent to one another from either movement or congestion blocks. The blocks that have a ratio of movement sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level are moveable blocks. The remaining presence sample points in the image signify congestion sample points and form congestion blocks. Congestion blocks have a ratio of congestion sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level. Therefore, the state of traffic congestion is measured based upon the resultant movement and congestion blocks.

Abstract: A single video camera is installed on a vehicle body. Two still pictures of an obstacle are obtained at different vehicle traveling positions. A picture memory stores the obtained still pictures. A feature point extracting section extracts at least one feature point from the data of the stored still pictures. A three-dimensional coordinate data calculating section calculates the distance from the vehicle body to the feature point and the height of the feature point based on the positional data of the feature point on the screen and the vehicle traveling distance data. A stereoscopic picture forming section forms a stereoscopic picture image of a detected obstacle based on three-dimensional coordinate data of the feature points. A monitor displays a plan view or a side view showing the relationship between the vehicle body and the obstacle, thereby allowing a driver to directly grasp the distance of the obstacle.

Abstract: The machine for detecting traffic offenses, comprises means (1, 3) for measuring the speed of transit (v) of a vehicle (V) along a carriageway and, connected to these, camera means (5, 7, 9) for capturing an image of the vehicle. Means (F3; 11) are also provided for detecting the transverse position (d) of the vehicle across said carriageway; the camera means are controlled as a function of said transverse position (d).

Abstract: An exit guard system automatically detects movement of a subject along an exit path in an unauthorized direction. A first video camera is positioned for video imaging movement of a subject along the path, while a second video camera images the subject for identification. Multiple video motion detectors operate in conjunction with the first video camera to determine direction of movement of a subject along the path. A CPU operates with the video motion detectors under an exit guard program to provide a watching mode, during which frames of the second video camera are continuously grabbed and saved. Audible and/or visual alarm signaling devices are operated by the CPU in an alarm mode in response to traffic of a subject in the unauthorized direction. A video monitor displays modes of operation of the system, and control devices allow operator selection and control of modes of operation of the system. Remote access to the system for control, monitoring or other purposes is provided by data modem feature.

Abstract: A video system (30) including an illuminator (26) and a silicon detector (34) which provides operators of motor vehicles (20) with an enhanced display of the vehicle's operating environment (24 and 28). The illuminator (26) provides a source of short wavelength infrared energy. A single silicon detector (34) processes electromagnetic signals in the short wavelength infrared spectrum and selected color signals in the visible light spectrum. A visual display (60) of the operating environment comprising the infrared image with enhancements from selected portions of the colored light spectrum are provided to the operator of the vehicle (20).

Abstract: A cashless toll collection system and method that detects vehicles using transponders for prepaid customers and cameras for casual or non-transponder equipped vehicles. The system has a plurality of roadside toll collectors, one or more toll transaction processors, and a revenue management system. Each roadside toll collector has a vehicle to roadside communications system that communicates with transponders disposed in transponder equipped vehicles and generates entry and exit transaction reports indicating the entry and exit locations and times of the transponder equipped vehicles. Each roadside toll collector has a plurality of license plate cameras that selectively provide video images of license plates of vehicles that are not equipped with a transponder.

Abstract: An automatic traffic monitoring system for enforcing traffic laws and regulations and for general purpose traffic monitoring includes a novel passive road sensor that accurately detects the kinematics of moving vehicles. A passive road sensor includes a detector protected in an enclosure, which is embedded in a road opening, is in a continuous listening mode. When the wheels of a passing vehicle come in contact with either the road opening, the enclosure, or both, the resulting mechanical impact generates a disturbance that triggers the detector. A processor unit of the automatic traffic monitoring system records the signal sensed by the detector and analyzes its temporal characteristics to determine the precise time of impact.

Abstract: A detecting device for road monitoring which detects traveling states of vehicles on a road (traffic stagnation, stopping of vehicles, etc.) or fallen objects on a road is provided. Luminance change detecting unit prepares background image data by taking a time average of luminance for each picture element, and detects image portions where inputted image data is different in luminance from the prepared background image data. Hue change detecting unit prepares background image data by taking a time average of hue for each picture element, and detects image portions where inputted image data is different in hue from the prepared background image data.

Abstract: A traffic law enforcement system having two or more enforcement units and at least one central computer connected via network devices. The enforcement units are spaced apart a given distance and each has a license plate reader. The central computer receives inputs from two not necessarily adjacent enforcement units, including identifying indicia, such as license plate numbers of passing vehicles. The enforcement units and the central computer cooperate to calculate an average velocity of a vehicle which passes between two not necessarily adjacent enforcement units by using the inputs of a) minimum-travel-time-drivable distance between enforcement units which transmitted matching identifying indicia, b) posted speed limit data between enforcement units which transmitted matching license plate numbers, and c) time lapsed between the transmission of the matching identifying indicia to the central computer.

Abstract: An apparatus of the invention includes a device for triggering a camera to photograph a vehicle within a traffic intersection, where the triggering of the camera is dependent on the speed of the vehicle before entering the intersection and may also be dependent on presence information. The device includes a sensor system (or "sensor array") to transmit signals corresponding to a moving vehicle and a control system for processing the signals and triggering the camera. The signals preferably include "position signals" from which a transit time can be calculated, and "presence signals," from which presence information can be obtained, particularly the location of the rear of the vehicle or the location of the rear wheels of the vehicle. A trigger time for taking a picture of the vehicle may be calculated from the transit time.

Abstract: Surveillance platforms in airborne craft (8,10), land based vehicles (12), vessels at sea or fixed structures (14) detect dangers using conventional scanners and transmit information signals describing the dangers to a control center (2) which analyzes the data and determines the degree of danger and its geographic extent. The center generates a danger warning and emergency response including a danger index. The warning/response message identifies the degree of danger (danger index 144) and the GPS coordinates (142) of the impacted geographic area for a wide region or regions of the earth (FIGS. 2-6). A vulnerability index (FIG. 16) determined using neural networks (FIGS. 13-14) and fuzzy logic (FIGS. 15-20) enables a prioritized warning/response. The center broadcasts (18) the danger warning and emergency response (FIG. 9) to a large population of remotely located warning devices (11), such as a network of pagers each of which has a GPS receiver (6,28).

Abstract: The present invention measures traffic congestion by utilizing a video camera to capture images of vehicles travelling on a road and analyzing sample points that are assigned to different aspects of the images. For example, presence and movement sample points correspond to the expected location and motion of the vehicles respectively. The sample points adjacent to one another form either movement or congestion blocks. The blocks that have a ratio of movement sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level are movement blocks. The remaining presence sample points in the images signify congestion sample points and form congestion blocks. Congestion blocks have a ratio of congestion sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level. Therefore, the state of traffic congestion is measured based upon the resultant movement and congestion blocks.

Abstract: In a system for optical acquisition of the road and traffic in front of a road vehicle by electronic processing and evaluation of the image signals from a video camera mounted at the level of the top edge of the windshield of the vehicle, with the optical axis of the camera running at an angle to the road in a plane that is parallel to or approximately parallel to the vertical lengthwise central plane of the vehicle, the lens of the video camera is designed as a wide-angle lens and the slope angle that the optical axis of the lens forms with the plane of the road is less than half the total aperture angle of the lens, but corresponds approximately to half of its value.

Abstract: A computing device 10 is disclosed herein. A base unit 12 is provided for housing a plurality of computing components and also may include an input/output device such as a keyboard. A display unit 20 can be pivotally coupled to the base unit 12 about a spine 26a. The display unit 20 may include a viewing surface 24. In addition, a flap 50 can be attached to at least one edge of the display 20 and extend outwardly from screen 24. Electronic components 46 may be housed within the flap 50. Alternatively, the electronic components 46 may be housed within the base unit 12 and electrically coupled back to the display units 20.

Abstract: The photosensitive portion of an image sensor which is used for monitoring a forward view of a vehicle on a roadway is formed that is horizontally elongated with an aspect ratio in a range from 1:1.8 to 1:3.1 adjustable in correspondence with the design speed of the roadway, the minimum radius of curvature R, the maximum longitudinal slope S of the roadway, the braking distance D of the vehicle, and the number of lanes to be imaged. Here, the aspect ratio of the photosensitive portion is set at a ratio within a range from 1:1.8 to 1:3.1 in correspondence with the conditions of the design speed of the roadway and of the number of lanes to be imaged including the lane in which the vehicle is driving.

Abstract: A moving subject recognizing system for recognizing a subject, such as a pedestrian, moving toward a forward path of a vehicle to avoid a collision against the subject scans a field ahead the vehicle to detect a transverse velocity of a subject moving in a transverse direction and a longitudinal distance of the subject in a direction of the traveling path which are compared with a first and a second threshold value, respectively, and recognize that the subject is in danger of entering the traveling path and hit by the vehicle when the transverse velocity is greater than the first threshold value and the variation of the longitudinal distance is smaller than the second threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention measures traffic congestion by utilizing a video camera to capture images of vehicles travelling on a road and analyzing sample points that are assigned to different aspects of the images. For example, presence and movement sample points correspond to the expected location and motion of the vehicles respectively. The sample points adjacent to one another form either movement or congestion blocks. The blocks that have a ratio of movement sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level are movement blocks. The remaining presence sample points in the images signify congestion sample points and form congestion blocks. Congestion blocks have a ratio of congestion sample points to all other sample points within the block greater than a predetermined level. Therefore, the state of traffic congestion is measured based upon the resultant movement and congestion blocks.

Abstract: A traffic flow monitor apparatus which can monitor a traffic flow at high precision over a wide range from the position near a TV camera to the distant position regardless of traffic conditions. An image analysis area crossing a road of an overlooked road image received every predetermined cycle is analyzed, the characteristic portion of the front (rear) portion of the vehicle is registered as a template, the vehicle is tracked by a pattern-matching process while updating the template, and the size of the template is reduced (enlarge) depending on a change in apparent width of a lane during template updating. Since the characteristic portion of the front (rear) portion of the vehicle is registered, and the vehicle is tracked by the pattern-matching process, no reference image of a road portion on which no vehicle exists is required, and influence of approaching or overlapping of another vehicle can be reduced. A traffic flow can be monitored at high precision regardless of deserted traffic or crowded traffic.

Abstract: The present invention is an infrared traffic sensor with feature curve generation to derive empirical information for determining traffic patterns. A real-time IR image camera is positioned over an automobile and truck traffic thoroughfare for collecting video image data of the traffic thoroughfare. Data in the form of a video signal taken by the infrared video camera is received by a signal processing unit for processing the data. The processed data is used to generate statistical feature curves from which the empirical traffic information such as the number of vehicles, the speed of the vehicles, and the classification of the vehicles are determined.

Abstract: The invention includes a traffic information system having servers that makes traffic data, images and video clips available to client devices in a common format that is independent of the format used within any particular public highway monitoring system that supplies the raw media elements. The invention further includes a user interface for depiction on a graphical display surface. The user interface has a road map showing a plurality of road segments that a user can interactively select. In addition, the user interface has a road image area that changes as the user selects different road segments to show recent images of a currently selected road segment. The images are obtained from public highway monitoring systems. Both a broad view and a detail view are available. In the broad view, highways are broken into high level segments and corresponding data such as average speed or travel time is shown only for the high level segments.

Abstract: A locally-adaptive method and apparatus for constructing a reference image containing only the background from an image sequence containing moving or temporarily-stationary objects. Specifically, the apparatus contains a sample mask selector and a reference updater. The selector generates a mask which is used by the updated to perform updating of a reference image using only portions of the input image that contain background imagery. The updater enhances the masking function using a statistical analysis to avoid updating pixels using non-background imagery.

Abstract: A thresholding method and improved light sensor that reduce the processing requirements of processors used to control the shutter, gain, and pedestal settings of license plate cameras employed in a toll road revenue collection system. The thresholding method and light sensor reduce the amount of data transmitted from the light sensor to the processor which controls the shutter, gain, and pedestal settings of license plate cameras of the toll road collection system. To minimize the redundant transmission and processing of data by the processor, a threshold comparator is used in the light sensor that only transmits data when the light level changes enough to exceed or fall below a programmable threshold. The threshold is programmed by the processor using a microprocessor. Thus, data is only transmitted when lighting conditions change, and transmission of redundant data is therefore eliminated.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting, collecting information about, and analyzing a queue. A video camera is positioned to view the queue, and a sequence of video images from the camera may be processed in order to perform the functionality of the present invention. The present invention may be implemented at checkout lanes in a retail establishment, in a bank, at customer service desks, at self-service kiosks, at banks, or any other location where a queue (line) of people or other objects may form. After detecting the queue, the present invention may collect multi-dimensional information regarding the queue, including the number of people, etc., in the queue, the average service time for each person in the queue, as well as various other types of information regarding the queue. The present invention may thereafter analyze the collected information in various ways, based upon various criteria.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring device comprising a picture recording unit, a traffic dectection zone determination unit and a picture analysis unit, the traffic detection zone determination unit of which being provided to determine as traffic detection zone a follower axis extending substantially in parallel with a traffic axis in said traffic road and situated thereon, and in that said picture analysis unit is further provided to realize said verification pointwise on predetermined points situated on said follower axis and upon detection of such an object to assign thereon an identification pattern and to check within subsequent pictures within said sequence if patterns corresponding with said identification pattern occur.

Abstract: An apparatus for photographing a moving body. A video memory including a plurality of frame memories is used in order to store frame images obtained by a plurality of photographing operations. The frame images obtained by photographing are sequentially stored in any of frame memories. Any of a plurality of frame memories is selected in accordance with a detection of a front edge or a rear edge of a vehicle, and a frame image in a selected frame memory is used. A speed of a vehicle is used for this selection. In another case, apparatuses for photographing, such as TV cameras or storage devices such as video memories are provided in a plurality of systems, and a frame relating to either of the systems is selected in accordance with the speed. The high speed processing is enabled without image processings such as clipping of characters on a license plate.

Abstract: An onboard forward monitoring system is disclosed in which three television cameras, each supported by a steering mechanism, take picture of a road surface located forward of a vehicle at near distance, a medium distance and a far distance zone to detect white lines which partition a lane on the road surface, thus detecting a vehicle running ahead on the lane which is defined by the white lines. To enable a reliable detection and tracking of the vehicle running ahead in any zone of the road surface even when the road is curved, the individual television cameras are steered so that a vehicle running ahead is positioned at the center of the screen whenever such vehicle is present and so that a center across the width of the lane is positioned at the center of screen when a vehicle running ahead is not detected.

Abstract: A covert surveillance system for viewing images from a remote location is provided. The surveillance system provides a mirror, lens and camera arrangement within a small enclosure which allows full 360 degree pan, tilt, zoom, focus and iris control from a remote location. The system receives control commands such as rotate left, zoom out and tilt down via a radio receiver, and controls the camera accordingly. Images viewed by the camera are transmitted to a remote receiver for display on a monitor, or for recording. Continuous camera rotation is achieved by use of a specialized conductive drum which provides continuous electrical contact between camera signals and camera control. In one embodiment, the surveillance system is mounted in place of a photo detector in a street lamp, making the camera virtually undetectable.

Abstract: With a constellation of low-earth orbiting satellites, instantaneous photographs of all large cities can be made available in real-time or near real-time. Those photographs can be downloaded to ground stations, and there photographically interpreted to determine traffic conditions. The use of high and low photographic resolution permit making distinctions between different causes of traffic conditions. A color-coded map may be generated showing all major roads and their current status, showing such conditions as light traffic, medium traffic, heavy traffic and traffic accidents or jams, for example. These color-coded maps or color-coded alphabetized lists of streets may be broadcast to subscribers (broadcast stations, companies or individuals). From the color-coded traffic report, the subscribers are updated about which routes to avoid and what the best detours are around the more congested areas.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing a sequence of images to detect object movement within the sequence. Specifically, the method comprises the steps of: (a) supplying a sequence of image frames; (b) initializing a reference image that contains image information regarding stationary objects within a scene represented by the sequence of images; (c) supplying a next image frame which temporally follows the sequence of image frames; (d) comparing the next image to the reference image to produce a motion image representing motion information regarding movement of objects within the scene; (e) updating the reference image with information within the next image that represents stationary objects within the scene; and (f) repeating steps (c), (d), and (e) for each next image supplied. The method is implemented by image processing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) monitors a railroad crossing (X) for the presence of an object (H, V, A) in the crossing. The apparatus determines if an object is of sufficient size to damage to a train (1) approaching the crossing, and provides an alarm (Sa) to an approaching train so it can be timely halted. This prevents injury to people or other objects in the crossing, or to the train and its occupants. A camera (14) continuously views the crossing to obtain images of the crossing. An image processor (28) processes images, establishes the presence of objects in the crossing, and determines the size of the object. If appropriate, an alarm (26) is activated and an alarm signal is sent to the train through a relay (36) transmitter (44), and on board receiver (46). An audio alarm (48) on the train is sounded in response to receipt of the signal.

Abstract: An object monitoring system includes a camera node (2) for monitoring movement of an object (18) to determine an acquisition time when an image of the object (18) is to be acquired and acquiring the image at the predetermined time. The system includes a camera (6) which is able to monitor moving objects (18), and image processing circuitry (10), responsive to the camera (6), which is able to detect a predetermined moving object (18) from other moving and static objects. From the image acquired, information identifying the object (18) can be automatically extracted. The system is particularly suited to monitoring and discriminating large vehicles (18) from other vehicles over a multi-lane roadway, and acquiring high resolution images of the large vehicles (18) at a predetermined acquisition point (22).

Abstract: A vehicle camera system for obtaining picture data of a runaway vehicle is provided in a toll road system. A vehicle passing a tollgate (4) is picked up by a camera (6). As a license plate of a vehicle is detected, picture data are cyclically and subsequently stored in a pluarlity of fram memories (20). When the vehicle dishonestly leaves without paying a toll, a tollbooth attendant (m) depresses a push button (3) to generate an instruction signal so that one or a plurality of picture data just before the timing of such depression can be read out from the frame memory (20) to be transmitted to a central unit for separate storage. The instruction signal may also be generated automatically based on detection of the vehicle.

Abstract: A traffic surveillance system measures a speed of a vehicle within a traffic scene, optically records the traffic scene, and reproduces the traffic scene on a display in synchronism with a display of the measured speed. The system includes a speed sensor which measures the speed of the vehicle within the traffic scene and an electro-optical camera having a recording medium in which video signals representing the traffic scene are stored. The camera is equipped with an audio input and output connected to a soundtrack of the recording medium. The audio input receives modulated signals of the measured speed for storage in the soundtrack in synchronism with the video signals. The measured speed signals and the video signals are combined in a video mixer and reproduced on the display.

Abstract: A device and method for registering the displacement of a vehicle using a video camera device located above the ground and including a pair of cameras spaced parallel to the ground and directed to record on their respective image planes areas of the ground which overlap at least partly whereby there are produced in the cameras pairs of stereo records. These pairs of stereo records are utilized in an image processing of the mutual locations of contrast fields within the contour of the vehicle for comparison. The contrast fields are located at different height levels above the ground so that evaluation of at least one of the fields may be used in the image processing as an indicator in tracking the displacement of the vehicle for successive positions of displacement to be registered.

Abstract: A method for determining the speed of a vehicle using a camera. The method automatically compensates an apparent speed determination for inaccuracies due to the position of the camera with respect to the vehicle. The invention also includes a method for calibrating a camera to compensate for inaccuracies due to the position of the camera.