Abstract: A method for calibrating the image (3I, 3II) of a camera (1), and, in particular, a traffic-monitoring camera, with respect to its viewing space, such that the camera projection parameters (mk1) of a camera projection of the viewing space onto the image are determined, includes the steps of providing a movable carrier (4) with at least four markings that can be viewed by the camera (1) and that span a volume and that form known first world points (wi) in the viewing space, recording a first image (3I) of the viewing space, shifting the carrier (4) in the viewing space by an unknown offset (v) in order to obtain second world points (wi) dependent on this offset in the viewing space, recording a second image (3II) of the viewing space, detecting the markings in the first image (3I) as first image points (pi) and in the second image (3II) as second image points (pi), and determining the camera projection parameters (mk1), while also determining the offset (v), from the known first world points, the second world

Abstract: A novel system and method of integrating an RF emissions device, such as a radar system (103A), within a traffic control indicator (101) system. The system and method determines, using LFM-CW radar signals (201) and a multi-stage spectral processing algorithm (600), if one or more object/vehicle targets will enter an intersection and comprises receiving a radar echo response (203) indicating the object/vehicle target (104) is approaching the intersection, receiving range and velocity of the object/vehicle targets (104), and based on the receiving, determining if the object/vehicle target (104) will enter the intersection. The system and method can programmatically be configured to activate red-light-hold, green-light-extension, or left-turn-warning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a motor vehicle (10), comprising: (a) at least one driving data sensor (20) for acquiring driving data characterising a driving state of the motor vehicle; (b) at least one camera (24, 30) for capturing images of the surroundings; (c) an accident recorder (28) that is designed to record the images of the surroundings in a buffer; and (d) an electric controller (26) for controlling the driving data sensor (20), the camera (24, 30), and the accident recorder (28). According to the invention, the electric controller (26) is designed to trigger an autonomous braking action of the motor vehicle (10) when predetermined driving data and/or images of the surroundings are provided.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a warning display system on which a warning from an emergency vehicle is displayed as letters. When an emergency vehicle emits letter information of ‘please leave the left traffic lane’ by acoustic watermarking (electronic watermarking) together with siren sound on a congested expressway, among general vehicles, vehicles driving on a left lane and having devices capable of receiving the information in a range in which sound can reach change the lane to a center lane. Because among the general vehicles, vehicles driving on the center lane and having devices capable of receiving the information allow vehicles traveling on the left lane to move to the center lane, the left lane becomes empty and the emergency vehicle can smoothly drive on the left lane.

Abstract: System, methods, and computer program products are provided for surveillance, traffic monitoring, and red light enforcement. In one embodiment, the system may monitor zones of interest; capture, time stamp, and store images of the zones of interest; determine that an event has occurred within one of the zones of interest; and request the stored images of the zone of interest during the time the event occurred.

Abstract: A method of monitoring traffic on a road comprising capturing a plurality of images of the road using a camera mounted on a viewing point and associating a time of capture with each image, determining, from the captured images, the positions of the portions of the road surface visible from the viewpoint at the front and rear extremities of the extent of a vehicle in the captured images at two different times; and determining from the positions and the times of the instants at least one characteristic of the vehicle or its motion, such as the vehicle length, speed or a vehicle classification (truck, car, motorcycle, etc).

Abstract: When there is a preceding vehicle in a traveling direction of a subject vehicle, an ECU computes a driver condition coefficient that represents degree of change in the size of an image of the preceding vehicle as viewed from the driver is computed. The driving condition of the driver is detected from this driver condition coefficient and used to provide an alarm indicative of the driving condition and to control vehicle travel condition.

Abstract: A multiple object speed tracking system that can provide data related to the rate of travel of each object in a set of multiple objects as each object is traveling either toward or away from a predetermined point.

Abstract: A location tagged data provision and display system. A personal communication device (PCD) with electromagnetic communication capability has a GPS receiver and a display. The PCD requests maps and location tagged data from data providers and other for display on the PCD. The data providers respond to requests by using searching and sorting schemes to interrogate data bases and then automatically transmitting data responsive to the requests to the requesting PCD.

Abstract: A system and method for automated estimation of average stopped delay at signalized intersections using digitized still image analysis of actual traffic flow is disclosed. The system and method includes digitizing images of an intersection and creating a line of pixels that acts as a virtual sensor in a traffic lane of interest. Background intensities of the pixel line on the traffic lane without vehicles are compared to pixel intensities on images with traffic. Once vehicles are identified, the present method and system provides for three alternative embodiments of methods for determining the stopped delay for an entire image or for a particular vehicle. Once the stopped delay for all relevant images or for all relevant vehicles is determined, the average stopped delay per vehicle is estimated.

Abstract: A method of operating a general purpose handheld communication device to monitor traffic events is disclosed. The handheld communication device is detachably mountable on a vehicle and includes a motion sensor, a video imaging sensor, a data processor, data storage medium, and data communication module. The method includes acquiring motion data using the motion sensor; identifying a traffic event based on the motion data; acquiring visual data using the video imaging sensor; saving data that includes the acquired visual data and motion data on the data storage medium; and communicating the saved data using the communication module.

Abstract: An optical device for motor vehicles, designed to detect the condition of the road surface, comprises a unit for the emission of electromagnetic radiation in the direction of the road surface to be detected, a receiving unit coupled to an optical element for focusing the radiation back-diffused by the road surface and an electronic control and processing unit for receiving signals at output from said receiving unit and for processing them in order to determine the condition of the road surface, on the basis of a reference map. Appearing in said map are the values of the intensity of radiation Iref back-reflected at a reference wavelength and at least one second wavelength. The map is divided into subareas identified beforehand as corresponding to the different conditions of the road surface.

Abstract: A method and system according to the invention comprises the means for or steps of: acquiring, by means of a digital image taking apparatus, a digital image with aberration of a scene, the digital image incorporating at least a first image zone and a second image zone, the first and second image zones having respectively at least a first resolution and at least a second resolution, the first and second resolutions being different, calculating a deployed digital image, by deployment of at least one zone of the digital image with aberration, applying an object detection algorithm in the deployed digital image, and supplying information on each object detected in the deployed digital image.

Abstract: An object detecting system includes a plurality of photographing mechanisms that are used to detect information about objects inside and outside a vehicle. An object detecting system is installed in a vehicle and comprises a first camera and a second camera to obtain information about objects inside and outside the vehicle. They system further includes a controller for conducting controls to detect information about an object and an electrical power unit to supply electrical power from a vehicle battery to the respective cameras. At least one of the controller and the electrical power unit is shared by the first camera and the second camera.

Abstract: A method for producing a time sequence of images of motor vehicle surroundings from a virtual elevated central perspective on a display wherein several cameras are used to record time sequences of subimage data records from a plurality of real perspectives differently offset and tilted with respect to the virtual perspective. Then, parameterized transformations are applied for obtaining sequences of transformed subimage data records and overall image data for an overall image from the virtual perspective is assembled. Finally, the sequence of the overall image data is displayed as an overall image. To compensate for positional and/or orientation deviations in the recording cameras a selection unit is proposed to recurrently apply a selection criterion for selecting a subimage data record from the sequence and to take this as a basis for redetermining the parameters of the transformations by an optimization method under a quality criterion for the overall image.

Abstract: Encoding and decoding of application information is disclosed. An encoding method includes creates multimedia object information on video and/or audio data related to content carried by a traffic information message provided through traffic information service, creates reference information indicating the traffic information message, and organizes a multimedia information message that includes the multimedia object information and the reference information. While using a traffic information provided by a traffic information service, a user can, if necessary, recognize visually and/or audially a special traffic situation of which information is provided by a traffic information service.

Abstract: A lane recognition device recognizes a lane along which a vehicle travels by detecting a lane mark provided on the road to define the lane, from an image of the road acquired via an image acquisition device mounted on the vehicle. The lane recognition device is equipped with an object detection unit which detects an object other than the lane mark existing ahead of the vehicle, and a lane mark detection unit which detects the lane mark on the basis of the data from which the area corresponding to the object detected by the object detection unit is removed. By doing so, when recognizing the lane along which the vehicle travels by detecting the lane mark from the image of the road, the recognition accuracy of the lane is improved by appropriately removing influence of the object other than the lane mark captured in the image of the road.

Abstract: A method of remotely detecting rule violations at an outdoor site according to one aspect of the invention includes installing a self-contained VMU at the outdoor site near ground elevation, including affixing a chassis of the VMU to a permanent mount. The VMU is operated in a low-power standby mode that includes passively monitoring an ambient magnetic field at the outdoor site to detect a disturbance caused by a presence of a substantial ferrous object. In response to a detection of a disturbance in the ambient magnetic field, the VMU exits the low-power standby mode and initiates an active operating mode. The active operating mode includes operating a video camera by the VMU to capture video data; and wirelessly transmitting a signal representing at least a portion of the video data to a computer network. The video data is received by a remote node in the computer network via the computer network, and stored in association with a database record.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus adapted to be mounted on an elevated surface having an electrical socket thereon. The apparatus includes a housing, a photocell and a transceiver. The housing at least partially defines an interior space and has a portion which is translucent. The photocell is supported by the housing in the interior space so that ambient light exterior to the housing passes through the translucent portion to the photocell. The transceiver is also supported by the housing and is positioned within the interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A feature amount of an inter-mobile unit relative movement are detected as an observation amount by an observation amount detecting section 26, time series of the observation amounts are stored as an observation series into a storage section 27 to calculate a similarity of the observation series to a predetermined collision observation series by a classification section 28. A determination section 29 determines to be a collision accident if, in a case where the similarity is larger than a predetermined value, a mobile unit associated with the similarity is at rest in a stoppage prohibition area set in a storage section 30 and another mobile unit is moving, and to be a mobile unit failure if collision determination conditions except for the similarity are met.

Abstract: A method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle when driving the motor vehicle through a narrow passage. In order to provide a cost-effective method, the anticipated vehicle path to be covered next is displayed to the driver. The width of the vehicle path shown corresponds to the actual width of the vehicle. If the length of the vehicle path display is realized in a speed-dependent fashion, information regarding the distance from the preceding vehicle arises as a further advantage.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a camera, a laser radar, a depression angle correction calculation device, a three-dimensional object detection device, and a viewpoint conversion device, which are installed in a vehicle. The laser radar detects changes in the condition of a road surface with respect to the camera. The depression angle correction calculation device adds a correction angle to a depression angle of the camera. The viewpoint conversion device reduces the correction angle if the change in road surface condition detected by the laser radar is due to a three-dimensional object detected by the three-dimensional object detection device.

Abstract: A pipeline architecture for analyzing multiple streams of video is embodied, in part, in a layer of application program interfaces (APIs) to each stage of processing. Buffer queuing is used between some stages, which helps moderate the load on the CPU(s). Through the layer of APIs, innumerable video analysis applications can access and analyze video data flowing through the pipeline, and can annotate portions of the video data (e.g., frames and groups of frames), based on the analyses performed, with information that describes the frame or group. These annotated frames and groups flow through the pipeline to subsequent stages of processing, at which increasingly complex analyses can be performed. At each stage, portions of the video data that are of little or no interest are removed from the video data. Ultimately, “events” are constructed and stored in a database, from which cross-event and historical analyses may be performed and associations with, and among, events may be made.

Abstract: A drive assistance system is provided for assisting an operation of a driver of a vehicle in a manner that does not cause disturbance for the driver, based on image information derived from an external apparatus such as roadside cameras or the like. The image information is provided for the driver by a liquid crystal display unit, and the provision of the image information is accompanied by a provision of supplemental information from a headup display unit that draws driver's attention to the provision of the image information from the liquid crystal display unit in an appropriate manner.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting a traffic space comprising a driver assistance system including a monocular image sensor. The image sensor produces chronologically successive images of the traffic space. The images of the image sequence are used to ascertain the visual flow and examine it for discontinuities. Discontinuities found in the visual flow are assigned to objects in the traffic space.

Abstract: A traffic information detecting apparatus includes a camera; a driving unit that is equipped with the camera and defines a shooting direction of the camera; an image processing unit that executes predetermined processing with respect to an image of a traffic signal captured by the camera and detects a state of the traffic signal; and a control unit that drives the driving unit based on a detection result of the image processing unit. The image processing unit further recognizes a light type of the traffic signal from an image of a road along which a vehicle is traveling, the image of the road being captured by the camera; and according to the light type detected by the image processing unit, the control unit drives the driving unit to enable the shooting direction of the camera to be defined.

Abstract: The invention consists of a system and method for transferring video images from video sources to video receivers using a video server as an intermediary. The video server creates a list of all the requests from the video receivers for a video image from a video source. The video server requests the video image from the video source and then sends the video image to each video receiver on the list. The video source is only required to send one image for any number of requests from video receivers and the video sources and video receivers have no direct connection to each other. The load of handling many video sources and many video receivers can be distributed amongst multiple video servers.

Abstract: Method and device for stabilizing images obtained by a video camera of an environment with objects moving along lanes. The method a first stage of determining in first images obtained by the camera, portions corresponding to the movement lanes, determining the remaining second portions complementary to the first portions, determining, in the second portions, the reference position of the image point corresponding to a first stationary object point, and a second stage of determining in at least one second image taken after the first images, the vector that corresponds to the movement of the image point relative to its reference position determined by the first images, and processing the second image as a function of the modulus and direction of the vector such that, relative to the three-dimensional frame of reference the image point returns to its reference position.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus including an external case (12) containing a lighting source (13), warning equipment (18) and data collection equipment (19), the warning equipment and data collection equipment being situated at least partly inside the above external case and the warning equipment being controlled on the basis of the data collected by the data collection equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relation to traffic control systems. In one embodiment, a traffic condition is identified by capturing a traffic image, masking the traffic image to obtain an image portion including a traffic image object, and generating the traffic condition based on the traffic image object and the traffic image portion.

Abstract: A vehicle tunnel detecting device includes an image pickup unit for picking up images of a forward area and an obliquely upper area with respect to a travel direction of a vehicle, an obliquely upper area brightness reduction detecting unit for judging whether an average brightness of the images of the obliquely upper area with respect to the travel direction picked up by the image pickup unit is lower than a predetermined value, a brightness difference detecting unit for calculating a difference in average brightness between the images of the forward and obliquely upper areas achieved by the image pickup unit when it is judged by the obliquely upper area brightness reduction detecting unit that the average brightness of the image of the obliquely upper area is lower than the predetermined value, and a tunnel identifying unit for identifying a tunnel when the difference in average brightness between the image of the forward area and the image of the obliquely upper area that is calculated by the brightness di

Abstract: Vehicular situational awareness systems, method and arrangements are disclosed herein. In one embodiment digitized video can be acquired by a camera on a vehicle, and utilizing pixel differentiation at least one area of interest in the digitized video can be identified. The area of interest could be, for example, a group of pixels that represent another vehicle, a sign etc. Attribute information for the area of interest, such as size, movement etc. of an object, can be acquired and then it can be determined if the attribute information is significant enough or important enough to set an alarm condition and notify the driver.

Abstract: A telepresence system for providing first and second users with displays of an environment. The system includes an array of cameras, and the array includes multiple camera paths. A first user interface device is associated with first user inputs and movement along a first path, and a second user interface device is associated with second user inputs and a second path. The user interface devices are coupled to at least one processing element that receives and interprets the user inputs. The processing element is configured to allow the first user and the second user to navigate simultaneously and independently and also configured to link the users and provide the same path in response to an indication or input to do so.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting, sequencing, and presenting traffic events to viewers. This may involve using a prioritizing scheme that estimates the proximity or relevance of the event to the viewers by associating the event with a geographic zone and the viewer with a localized service area served by a particular distribution points of the television content distribution system. In some cases, for each localized service area, zones are given priority values that are used when prioritizing the relevance of traffic events associated with those zones. For viewers in a given localized service area, a first zone may have a higher priority than a second zone, such that in prioritizing traffic events, events associated with the first zone are given a higher priority than events occurring in the second zone. Different zone priority schemes may be associated with a given localized service area at different times of day, week, or year.

Abstract: The system and method for traffic surveillance, control, and traffic related information display uses display units each having display element sensors and cameras where the operation is controlled by a processor. Anticipatory sensor systems continuously measure speed and deceleration of approaching vehicles, sends signals to the processor which in turn analyzes the incoming signals. A rapid sequence camera continuously records audio-video images. When the rate of deceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold, which may be indicative of an imminent accident, the processor activates a store regime of the audio visual images on-site or transmitted to an off-site location for further actions. The information on the traffic flow condition which may affect the vehicle travel is displayed on the display unit. The system provides for the detection of pedestrians about to cross an intersection and controls the traffic light pattern accordingly.

Abstract: A right infrared camera produces a right gray-scale image by imaging aiming targets disposed in a right position, and a left infrared camera produces a left gray-scale image by imaging aiming targets disposed in a left position. An average value of coordinates of the aiming targets in a preset clipping area is determined, and an average value of coordinates of the aiming targets in a preset clipping area is determined. A difference between the average value and the average value is determined, and the clipping area is moved depending on the difference.

Abstract: Feeds from cameras are better visualized by superimposing images based on the feeds onto map based on a two- or three-dimensional virtual map. For example, a traffic camera feed can be aligned with a roadway included in the map. Multiple videos can be aligned with roadways in the map and can also be aligned in time.

Abstract: A method and system for video-based encroachment detection are provided, the method including receiving first and second images, modeling a background from the first image, subtracting the background from the second image to provide a detection map, calibrating the size of an object from the pixel level, integrating a projection of the object with the detection map using dynamic programming, and detecting the object in a region if the projection matches that region of the detection map; and the system including a processor, a background modeling unit coupled with the processor for modeling a background from the first image and subtracting the background from the second image to provide a detection map, and a dynamic programming unit coupled with the processor for calibrating the size of an object from the pixel level, integrating a projection of the object with the detection map, and detecting the object in a region if the projection matches that region of the detection map.

Abstract: In V2V or other networks in which multiple video cameras can share video data, a user may elect to modify a primary view by electronically “removing” obstructing objects from the primary view. The user begins by identifying the objects to be electronically removed from the simulated view, either by designating the boundaries of the objects or by identifying classes of objects to be removed. Pel locations associated with obstructing objects are identified in the primary data set. Video data provided by cameras other than a primary video camera is analyzed to identify common features in the primary and secondary views and to identify pels that correspond with object-associated pels in the primary view. A merged data set, consisting of pel data from the primary data set and from at least one of the secondary data sets, provides the video data presented in the simulated view.

Abstract: In V2V or other networks in which multiple video feeds are available to a participant, a participant can select a particular video feed for display. The participant has the option of selecting or locking onto a particular camera so that the display continues to show scenes captured by that camera without regard to what appears in those scenes. As an alternative, the participant may select or lock onto a particular scene. If a scene is selected, the current video feed is analyzed to identify key features. The video feed is monitored. If the key features disappear from the video feed, video feeds available from other cameras are analyzed for the presence of the key features. A new video feed (i.e., camera) is selected from the set of video feeds currently generating images including the key features.

Abstract: In V2V or other networks in which multiple video cameras can share video data, a network participant ordinarily has the option of selecting a particular video data stream (either generated by local cameras or received from other network participants. To facilitate the process of selecting a video data stream for presentation, the user's vehicle (in a V2V network) receives video data streams generated by other network participants along with identifiers indicating the video data stream actually being presented to the sender. The receiving system identifies the received video data stream by the greatest number of network participants and displays the identified video data stream on the user's in-vehicle video display.

Abstract: An ECU of a night vision system stores small obtained images of provisional targets as six templates depending on the distance from infrared cameras, and selects one of the templates depending on the distance up to an actual object. Using the selected template, the ECU performs template matching on images obtained by the infrared cameras, and calculates coordinates of the inspection target. The ECU compares the calculated coordinates of the inspection target and stored reference coordinates with each other, and determines mounted angles of the infrared cameras.

Abstract: A system to detect the transit of vehicles having license plates includes at least one video camera to detect license plates capable of framing the plates of said vehicles and, preferably, at least one video camera to detect vehicles capable of framing a zone of transit of said vehicles having license plates. A series of processing operations is capable, starting from the video signals generated by the video camera to detect license plates, of detecting the presence of a vehicle in transit and, starting from the video signals generated by the video camera to detect vehicles, of detecting the position and three-dimensional shape of vehicles in transit in said zone. A supervisor module aggregates the results of these processing operations to generate records of information each identifying the modality of transit in said zone of a vehicle identified by a given license plate that has been recognized.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system distinguishes vehicles in reduced visibility conditions based on the characteristic projection patterns associated with vehicle headlights and their reflections. Recognizing that the appearance of reflections of headlight beams in a camera image is highly dependent upon the angle of incidence/reflection relative to the camera, whereas the appearance of the headlights in the camera image is relatively consistent, the vehicle identification system distinguishes vehicles from their reflections based on the tracks of the illumination patterns in a series of images. In a first embodiment, headlights are distinguished from reflections based on a length of the tracks. In a second embodiment, recognition zones are selected as regions in the camera image that are not likely to provide reflections from normally aligned headlight beams. Pattern-matching and motion-correlation techniques are also used to identify the track of each vehicle in prior and subsequent image frames.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic license plate recognition system referred to as ALPR—Advanced License Plate Recognition—which is integrated in an electronic toll collection system such as “Via Verde”—single-lane freeflow—, multi-lane (Open Road Tolling), manual lane, semi-automatic lane, or any other solution involving the automatic license plate recognition.

Abstract: A method and system of video surveillance by using existing street light, traffic light and other household or outdoor light assemblies. A video camera is mounted in the light assembly and is powered through power lines of the light assembly. A converter is used to convert images captured by the video camera into Internet Protocol (IP) video data. A combiner then combines the IP video data into the power stream for transmission through the power lines. Both the converter and the combiner are housed in the light assembly. The IP video data travels through the power lines and is separated from the power stream at a collection point. The separated IP video data is transmitted wirelessly or through existing cables over the Internet for viewing.

Abstract: The luminance signal of a reference image obtained by an infrared camera is adjusted such that the luminance signal of the reference image obtained is greater at all times than the luminance signal of a searching image obtained by an infrared camera. Correlative calculations are performed on the reference image and the searching image to detect one object in the reference image and the searching image without detecting the background of the images in error.

Abstract: A system for determining range and lateral position of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a camera and a processor. The camera is configured to view a region of interest including the vehicle and generate an electrical image of the region. The processor is in electrical communication with the camera to receive the electrical image. The processor analyzes the image by identifying a series of windows within the image each window corresponds to features of the vehicle at a different target range. For example, from the perspective of the camera the vehicle will appear larger when it is closer to the camera than if it is further away from the camera. Accordingly, each window is sized proportional to the vehicle as it would appear at each target range. The processor evaluates characteristics in the electrical image within each window to identify the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle speed monitoring system comprises a plurality of cameras (10, 40) for capturing images of vehicle registration marks of passing vehicles. An electronic processing means produces electronic records for each vehicle recognition mark with an associated time of image capture. When a match is found between a vehicle registration mark stemming from a first camera (10) and from a second camera (40) then a central electronic processing means (20) uses the image capture times to calculate a travel time of the vehicle. This time is compared with a minimum travel time for a journey between the first and second cameras. Each camera (10, 40) is provided with clock means individual thereto which produces the times of image capture and each camera is also provided with timing verification means which accesses a plurality of independent time sources.

Abstract: A system and method for accurate express tolling of highway vehicles. A multilane tolling system comprises a tolling (MVIC) unit that collects information from tolling subsystems arranged to take various vehicle measurements. Preferably, an intelligent vehicle identification subsystem sends vehicle information to the MVIC unit many times per second. Preferably, a vision tracking system (VTS) communicates with the MVIC unit and sends the latter information about the vehicle position using vision tracking sensors. Preferably, an RF subsystem conducts multiple reads of a transponder on a passing vehicle and forwards the read information to the MVIC unit. Preferably, a vehicle image capture unit (VICU) captures images of the passing vehicle when a camera in the VICU receives a trigger from the MVIC unit. Preferably, a driver alert module is used alert a driver passing through a tolling point as to account balance associated with a silent toll tag or pay by plate system.