Video speed detection system
Multiple-object speed tracking apparatuses are disclosed, including a camera configured to capture a set of images of a monitored area (e.g., a roadway). The camera's longitudinal axis may be positioned at any viewing angle relative to a longitudinal axis of a roadway such that at least two moving objects moving on the roadway are included in a set of high or low resolution images. A computer system is configured to analyze the set of images to detect the two moving objects and substantially simultaneously determine a calculated rate of speed of at least one of the two moving objects. The computer system also provides an on-site speed calibration process for transforming locations of an image among the set of images into real-world coordinates by considering both perspective and scale of the image. An apparatus mount for at least one of either the camera or the computer system is also disclosed.
1. A multiple-object speed tracking apparatus comprising:
a camera configured to capture a set of images of a monitored area, wherein a longitudinal axis of the camera may be positioned at any viewing angle in relation to a longitudinal axis of a roadway as long the viewing angle allows images of at least two moving objects moving simultaneously within the monitored area to be included in one of either a set of low resolution images or a set of high resolution images;
a computer system configured to analyze the set of images to detect the at least two moving objects and substantially simultaneously determine a calculated rate of speed of at least one of the two moving objects, wherein the computer system provides an on-site speed calibration process configured to transform locations in an image from the set of images into real-world coordinates by considering, in a single step, both perspective and scale of the image, wherein the computer system includes a homographic calibration process of determining the calculated rate of speed that includes a linear fit comparison of a set of elements related to a distance traveled to an observed time to travel the distance; and
an apparatus mount upon which at least one of either the camera or the computer system is positioned, wherein the apparatus mount is one of either a fixed mount or a mobile mount.
2. The multiple-object speed tracking apparatus of claim 1 :
wherein the computer system is further configured to compare the calculated rate of speed to a predetermined speed value, and
wherein the computer system includes a process to ensure better accuracy of the calculated rate of speed by not indicating an object has exceeded the predetermined speed value until determining that a value of a residue of the liner fit does not exceed a preset maximum value of the residue of the linear fit.
3. The multiple-object speed tracking apparatus of claim 2 wherein a set of incident data is generated when the calculated rate of speed exceeds the predetermined speed value.