Patent ID: 6894717
Filing Date: 2005-05-17
Classification: G08G,H04N

Abstract:
1. A mobile, aimable, traffic enforcement system with a system operator, together providing multi-lane coverage for monitoring traffic, identifying, detecting and documenting numerous types of violations, storing the documentation in readily retrievable image and data and audio files, transferring the documentation and data to a fixed site facility by radio transmission or by landline or direct link, said system being constructed on a frame and modularly installed and operated in a van-type vehicle (which may be in motion or stopped), and processing and storing said documentation and data at the fixed facility for issuance of violation notification and possible subsequent use as evidence in court proceedings, the system comprising: detection/imaging systems (D/ISs) with respective support frames and carriages, input and audio devices operated by the system operator(s) and the vehicle driver, information displays for the operator and driver, global position system receiver, a computer generating additional information and integrating the violation data and imagery with contextual data for display on a high resolution flat screen monitor, a digital video camera and tapes and/or CDs for continuous recording of the monitor screen display and incorporation of operator and driver audio inputs, a still digital image camera (or video camera with still image capability) with high resolution for capture of individual composite displays of each violation, a personal computer with two large hard drives to receive and store said still digital images of violations (speeding) or violators (non-speeding) for use in citation documentation, four contextual digital video cameras, power supply, air circulation means, a central work area and adjustable ergonomic operator's chair, an installable/removable frame, bearing the equipment and workspace, a van-type vehicle with seats removed to accommodate installation of the MEP module on its frame; and more specifically a detection/imaging system (D/IS) of two digital video cameras and a target vehicle speed detection device (e.g., radar), all co-mounted and co-aimed on an area seven feet high and seven feet wide at a distance of 150 feet, together generating vehicle speed data and continuous digital images of said vehicle and its license plate; a hinge and pivot assembly to which said D/IS is attached, facilitating operator-aiming of said D/IS horizontally left and right and vertically up and down from the MEP vehicle central axis drawn fore-to-aft; an optional, movable D/IS support frame and carriage upon which said D/IS is attached, permitting lateral movement of said D/IS and said support frame and carriage guided by support bars and support track attached to the MEP frame; an optional foot-brake to lock said support frame and carriage in lateral position on the support bars and track; a hand-control to activate the zoom on one D/IS video camera, activate the speed detection device, and activate the still digital image camera (triggering the still image of the composite monitor's complete current screen, certifying the violation and committing the still image documentation to digital memory for later citation processing); headsets linking system operator and MEP vehicle driver for communication relating to performance of the day's assignments and for audio input of relevant observations concerning violations and traffic data to the continuous video tape; a MEP operator special input device including pre-programmable keys to expedite accurate data entry; a MEP vehicle driver's special input device including pre-programmable keys to expedite accurate data entry with minimal distraction; a MEP operator special display screen providing information for performance of violation identification, detection and documentation activities and system management; a MEP driver special display screen providing information for confirmation by the driver and for MEP vehicle speed management; a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver continuously providing location coordinates to a processing personal computer for display on the composite monitor screen; four contextual, high resolution, image-stabilizing, digital video cameras with docking stations for direct feed to a personal computer for integration into the composite display; a large memory, very high-speed personal computer for integration of multiple video and digital signals for composite display; a large flat-screen monitor for display of the computer-integrated composite image of the contextual videos and target vehicle and license plate videos, MEP and target vehicle speed display, GPS coordinates display, and operator/driver data inputs; a continuous, high resolution, image-stabilizing, digital video camera aimed in a fixed mount at the composite image monitor and configured for output to tape or CD; a high resolution, still image, digital camera (or high resolution, digital video camera with still image capability) aimed in a fixed mount at the composite image monitor and configured for direct output to a personal computer; a second very high speed computer with two large, fast hard drives for storing the still digital images and a small monitor displaying the latest still digital image for a predetermined period of time unless superceded by a following violation image, a high speed modem with cabling to permit download over landlines, and output ports for direct link and download to computer(s) at a citation processing site; a power supply to provide steady, regulated power to the various elements of the system; a transmitter for transmission of selected still images as well as license plate data to a fixed site; a work area and surrounding rail; a light-weight, high-strength frame on which all the equipment and rails are installed surrounding the operator work area, constituting a module which is installable into and removable from a van-type vehicle in the space vacated by removal of the seats, if any, located behind the driver; a MEP vehicle (with slightly tinted or one-way-view windows, a vacation or recreational disguise, and a partial curtain behind the driver and passenger seats) and its driver who also provides data inputs; transceiver(s), computer(s), high-resolution color printers, video players, and tape copiers at a citation processing site supporting the acquisition of the transferred violation images and traffic data for analysis and processing; a fully-equipped, secure facility to receive, store, process, archive, and analyze evidence with necessary real-time automated links to the vehicle registration data for all states to facilitate immediate citation processing and with appropriate chain-of-custody systems and locking storage cabinets; and an on-line, high-speed computer with a large capacity hard drive on which to store all traffic data for use in traffic analysis and police investigation.