Electronic toll collection (ETC) from high-speed vehicles relies on each vehicle having some sort of 'tag' that can be interrogated remotely. But an ETC system loses revenue if a vehicle is driven on the toll road without a tag or with the wrong type of tag. The best solution to this problem is to use video camera systems, which can detect, classify and identify vehicles, and interface directly with systems issuing prosecution notices. One such system has been developed by the UK company Computer Recognition Systems Ltd (CRS). The CRS Vehicle Detection System (VDS) can be used for this purpose, and has two rows of photosensors linked to a signal processing computer. The CRS Number-plate Recognition System (NRS) aims to minimise human involvement; in violation enforcement systems, it is often used with the CRS Image Capture System (ICS). Classification is needed to ensure identification of vehicles with a valid tag but for a lower charge band than that required; it can be implemented by inputting data from other sensors, such as weighbridges, axle counters, and height detectors. The NRS is widely used in many countries for various applications, including traffic toll violation enforcement, covert surveillance, recovery of stolen vehicles, detection of road tax evasion, speed measurement, and border control.
Samenvatting