Methods and systems for selecting target vehicles for occupancy detection

摘要

Methods and systems for selecting a target vehicle for occupancy detection utilizing vehicle identification information. The vehicle identification information (e.g., license plate information) can be obtained from a vehicle identification unit (e.g., ALPR) to identify a vehicle approaching a high occupancy measurement zone. The vehicle identification information from the vehicle identification unit can be transferred to a vehicle occupancy unit having a flash illuminator unit and an image-capturing unit. The flash illuminator unit and the image-capturing unit are not enabled if the vehicle's occupancy state has already been measured at a prior location based on the vehicle identification information. The vehicle occupancy detection unit and the vehicle identification unit work together in a coordinated fashion to reduce the number of times the flash illuminator unit needs to fire and extends the life of the illuminator unit, thus reducing the cost of maintenance.

主权项

1. A method for selection of a target vehicle for occupancy detection, the method comprising:
obtaining first vehicle identification information from a vehicle identification unit wherein the first vehicle identification information identifies a first vehicle as the first vehicle approaches a high occupancy measurement zone; determining that a first vehicle occupancy state has already been measured wherein the first vehicle occupancy state indicates how many people are in the first vehicle; electing to not measure the first vehicle occupancy state within the high occupancy measurement zone at least in part because the first vehicle occupancy state has already been measured; obtaining second vehicle identification information from the vehicle identification unit wherein the second vehicle identification information identifies a second vehicle as the second vehicle approaches the high occupancy measurement zone; determining that a second vehicle occupancy state has not already been measured wherein the second vehicle occupancy state indicates how many people are in the second vehicle; electing to measure the second vehicle occupancy state within the high occupancy measurement zone at least in part because the second vehicle occupancy state has not already been measured; providing the second vehicle identification information to an occupancy detection unit having a flash illuminator unit and an image-capturing unit wherein the occupancy detection unit measures how many people are in a measured vehicle; and determining, by the occupancy detection unit, the second vehicle occupancy state.