+

WO1986003867A1 - Image analysis apparatus - Google Patents

Image analysis apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1986003867A1
WO1986003867A1 PCT/GB1985/000587 GB8500587W WO8603867A1 WO 1986003867 A1 WO1986003867 A1 WO 1986003867A1 GB 8500587 W GB8500587 W GB 8500587W WO 8603867 A1 WO8603867 A1 WO 8603867A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chart
carrier
analysing
illuminating
imaging
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1985/000587
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gordon James Neilson
Original Assignee
Tachanalysis Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB848431982A external-priority patent/GB8431982D0/en
Priority claimed from GB858518810A external-priority patent/GB8518810D0/en
Application filed by Tachanalysis Limited filed Critical Tachanalysis Limited
Publication of WO1986003867A1 publication Critical patent/WO1986003867A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/002Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16
    • G06F3/005Input arrangements through a video camera
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07CTIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C5/00Registering or indicating the working of vehicles
    • G07C5/002Analysing tachograph charts

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus for analysing graph cal in ormation on a planar carrier.
  • the inven- tion is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the analysis of graphical data such as the traces on a tachograph chart-
  • tachographs are now compulsory on certain classes of vehicle. These devices have various benefits in improving road safety and regulating transport operations.
  • analysis of tachograph charts has hitherto been carried out in practice by eye, which is time consuming and inaccurate.
  • An ob ect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for the automatic analysis of tachograph charts, or similar data, which will enhance the practical useful- ness of such charts.
  • the invention provides apparatus for analysing graphical informartion on a planar carrier, compri s ng: means for illuminating said carrier; imaging means operable to provide an accurate representation of the graphical information by means of a digitised video signal or a numerical array; and means defining a datum point within the area viewed by the imaging means.
  • the invention provides a method of analysing a tachograph or like chart, including illu ⁇ minating the chart from behind, and imaging the front of the chart to provide a digitized video signal or numerical array.
  • Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus embodying the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a chart platen and associated parts used in the apparatus of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of a lens member ⁇ f Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a boss used in Fig. 2.
  • tachograph charts are loaded into a hopper 100 from which they are removed one at a time by a pick/feed mechanism 102 and loaded by a loader mechanism 104 onto a chart platen assembly 106 for analysis. After analysis, the charts are discharged to an analysed chart hopper 108. Suitable mechanisms for handling the charts will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus the parts 100, 102, 104, 108 are not described in detail herein. Alternat vely, charts could be loaded in and removed from the platen assembly 106 by hand.
  • the analysis of the chart is performed by imaging the chart by a video camera 110 to provide an analog video signal which is converted to digital format in A/D converter 112 and suppl ed to a microcomputer 114.
  • the microcomputer 114 is programmed to extract the desired information from the video signal and to provide a desired analysis on a printer 116. Data can also be transferred to a mainframe computer or other data handling devices.
  • the apparatus also includes a video monitor 118 driven by the microcomputer 114 via a D/A converter 120.
  • the video image can also be displayed on the monitor 118 via the D/A converter 120, and can be multiplexed with text resulting from the analysis. This allows areas of the chart image which are unusual or anomalous to be drawn to the operator's attention on a real-time basi s .
  • the whole chart area is imaged by video camera 110, and the record traces are identified and quantized by examination of the digitized video signal.
  • a datum point is established, e.g. by a fixed central l- ' ght spot as in Fig. 4 below, or by means of a special marking on the chart .
  • the chart could be rotated past a camera or an array of light sensitive elements to provide a video signal or a numerical array.
  • Figs. 2 to 4 illustrate a preferred form of the platen assembly 106.
  • the preferred embodiment to be described has two features which over ⁇ come or itigate these problems, namely (1) illu ination of the chart from the rear, and (2) the use of a special lens men.ber .
  • a tachograph chart 10 is mounted on a transparent holder 12, which may suitably be in the form of a slide or drawer.
  • the central aper ⁇ ture of the chart 10 is engaged by a boss 40.
  • a lens 16 images the chart 10 in the video camera.
  • the chart 10 is illuminated from below by a toro dal lamp 18, which is provided with a toroidal reflector 20 and a plane circular reflector 22.
  • the geometrical relationship of the lens 16, lamps 18, and plane reflec- tor 22 is such that the i age in the latter of the lamp 18 ( as indicated at 18') fills the field of view of the lens 16, indicated at 24.
  • maximum utilisation of the available light is achieyed.
  • Tachograph charts, and certain other charts, are recorded by means of styli which form substantially V-shaped grooves in a coating.
  • rear illumination gives a sharper and hence more accurate image; it causes the grooves to be illuminated in a distinct manner which can be readily imaged regardless of the body colour of the chart, whilst surface marks such as finger marks are not illuminated and thus do not give rise to spurious images.
  • a colour filter between the chart 10 and the lamp 18. This may be used to remove from view printed matter on the underside of the chart.
  • the imaging is further improved by the lens member 26.
  • the member 26 comprises a plane base 28 from which project two toroidal segments 30,32 of semi-circular cross-section. In use, the segments 30, 32 overlie inner and outer tracks of a conventional tachograph chart 10 and enhance their i aging by providing both magnification (approx mately x 3) and a condenser lens effect.
  • the lens member 26 as shown has a segmental opening 36 to allow the chart 10 and means carrying it, such as boss 40, to be sl d into place.
  • the lens member 26 could be vertically displaceable in which case the parts 30,32 could extend through 360°C.
  • the boss 40 is provided (Fig. 4) with a central aperture 38 which passes illumination from the lamp 18 to produce a bright light spot in the centre of the field of view of the lens 16, the remainder of the central area being dark because of, the member 42.
  • This light spot is imaged by the video camera to provide a datum for establishing coordinates of the chart indicia, thus reducing the mechanical accuracy required in positioning the chart .
  • Tachograoh charts in current use may have either of two forms of central aperture, one relatively small and circular, the other larger and elongate or pear- shaped.
  • the boss 40 is adapted for the first type of chart and a cap 44 may be press-fitted thereon to receive the second type.
  • the cap 44 is provided with an aperture 46 to reveal the aperture 38.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus for analysing graphical data on a planar carrier, e.g. a tachograph chart, uses a video camera (110) and A/D converter (112) or equivalent devices to provide a digitised video signal for analysis by a microcomputer (118) via a D/A converter (120), and can be multiplexed with text resulting from the analysis. In a preferred form (Fig. 2) the chart is illuminated from the rear and this illumination in conjunction with an aperture provides a datum.

Description

IMAGE ANALYSIS APPARATUS
This invention relates to apparatus for analysing graph cal in ormation on a planar carrier. The inven- tion is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to the analysis of graphical data such as the traces on a tachograph chart- In many countries tachographs are now compulsory on certain classes of vehicle. These devices have various benefits in improving road safety and regulating transport operations. However, analysis of tachograph charts has hitherto been carried out in practice by eye, which is time consuming and inaccurate.
An ob ect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for the automatic analysis of tachograph charts, or similar data, which will enhance the practical useful- ness of such charts.
Accordingly, the invention. provides apparatus for analysing graphical informartion on a planar carrier, compri s ng: means for illuminating said carrier; imaging means operable to provide an accurate representation of the graphical information by means of a digitised video signal or a numerical array; and means defining a datum point within the area viewed by the imaging means. From another aspect, the invention provides a method of analysing a tachograph or like chart, including illu¬ minating the chart from behind, and imaging the front of the chart to provide a digitized video signal or numerical array. An embodiment of the invention will now be des¬ cribed, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:-
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a chart platen and associated parts used in the apparatus of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a plan view of a lens member σf Fig. 2; and
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a boss used in Fig. 2.
Referring to Fig. 1, tachograph charts are loaded into a hopper 100 from which they are removed one at a time by a pick/feed mechanism 102 and loaded by a loader mechanism 104 onto a chart platen assembly 106 for analysis. After analysis, the charts are discharged to an analysed chart hopper 108. Suitable mechanisms for handling the charts will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus the parts 100, 102, 104, 108 are not described in detail herein. Alternat vely, charts could be loaded in and removed from the platen assembly 106 by hand.
The analysis of the chart is performed by imaging the chart by a video camera 110 to provide an analog video signal which is converted to digital format in A/D converter 112 and suppl ed to a microcomputer 114. The microcomputer 114 is programmed to extract the desired information from the video signal and to provide a desired analysis on a printer 116. Data can also be transferred to a mainframe computer or other data handling devices.
The apparatus also includes a video monitor 118 driven by the microcomputer 114 via a D/A converter 120. Preferably, the video image can also be displayed on the monitor 118 via the D/A converter 120, and can be multiplexed with text resulting from the analysis. This allows areas of the chart image which are unusual or anomalous to be drawn to the operator's attention on a real-time basi s .
In the preferred embodiment shown, the whole chart area is imaged by video camera 110, and the record traces are identified and quantized by examination of the digitized video signal. Suitably, a datum point is established, e.g. by a fixed central l-'ght spot as in Fig. 4 below, or by means of a special marking on the chart .
Alternative imaging methods are possible; for example, the chart could be rotated past a camera or an array of light sensitive elements to provide a video signal or a numerical array.
Figs. 2 to 4 illustrate a preferred form of the platen assembly 106. We have found that there can be difficulties in obtaining a good video signal arising from (a) the fact that charts in common use are of a variety of colours and (b) the presence of smudges or fingermarks on the surface of the chart. The preferred embodiment to be described has two features which over¬ come or itigate these problems, namely (1) illu ination of the chart from the rear, and (2) the use of a special lens men.ber .
Referring to Fig. 2, a tachograph chart 10 is mounted on a transparent holder 12, which may suitably be in the form of a slide or drawer. The central aper¬ ture of the chart 10 is engaged by a boss 40. A lens 16 images the chart 10 in the video camera.
The chart 10 is illuminated from below by a toro dal lamp 18, which is provided with a toroidal reflector 20 and a plane circular reflector 22. The geometrical relationship of the lens 16, lamps 18, and plane reflec- tor 22 is such that the i age in the latter of the lamp 18 (as indicated at 18') fills the field of view of the lens 16, indicated at 24. Thus maximum utilisation of the available light is achieyed.
Tachograph charts, and certain other charts, are recorded by means of styli which form substantially V-shaped grooves in a coating. We have found that rear illumination gives a sharper and hence more accurate image; it causes the grooves to be illuminated in a distinct manner which can be readily imaged regardless of the body colour of the chart, whilst surface marks such as finger marks are not illuminated and thus do not give rise to spurious images. It is useful in certain cases to interpose a colour filter between the chart 10 and the lamp 18. This may be used to remove from view printed matter on the underside of the chart. The imaging is further improved by the lens member 26.
This may conveniently be formed from 'Perspex' or other transparent plastics material by machining or moulding. The member 26 comprises a plane base 28 from which project two toroidal segments 30,32 of semi-circular cross-section. In use, the segments 30, 32 overlie inner and outer tracks of a conventional tachograph chart 10 and enhance their i aging by providing both magnification (approx mately x 3) and a condenser lens effect.
The circular area 34 between the segments 30,32 s plane. This area 34 registers with a bar-type trace found on certain forms of tachograph chart which can be easily read without magnification.
The lens member 26 as shown has a segmental opening 36 to allow the chart 10 and means carrying it, such as boss 40, to be sl d into place. Alternatively, the lens member 26 could be vertically displaceable in which case the parts 30,32 could extend through 360°C.
The boss 40 is provided (Fig. 4) with a central aperture 38 which passes illumination from the lamp 18 to produce a bright light spot in the centre of the field of view of the lens 16, the remainder of the central area being dark because of, the member 42. This light spot is imaged by the video camera to provide a datum for establishing coordinates of the chart indicia, thus reducing the mechanical accuracy required in positioning the chart . '
Tachograoh charts in current use may have either of two forms of central aperture, one relatively small and circular, the other larger and elongate or pear- shaped. As shown in Fig. 3, in a further modification the boss 40 is adapted for the first type of chart and a cap 44 may be press-fitted thereon to receive the second type. The cap 44 is provided with an aperture 46 to reveal the aperture 38.

Claims

C LA I MS
1. Apparatus for analysing graphical information on a planar carrier, comprising: means for holding said carrier at a predetermined location; means for illuminating said carrier; imaging means operable to provide an accurate representation of the graphical information by means of a digitised video signal or a numerical array; and means defining a datum point within the area viewed by the imaging means.
2. The apparatus of clai 1 , in which the holding means is at least partially transparent, the illuminating means is disposed on one side of said carrier, and the imaging means is disposed at the opposite side of said carrier.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, in which the illuminating means is a toroidal tubular lamp positioned on a planar reflecting surface parallel to the carrier, and the image of the lamp in said surface is located to fill the field of view of the imaging means.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, for use in analysing a chart bear ng one or more generally circular traces, including a lens member overlying the chart position, the lens member comprising a planar base portion and one or more toroidal segments of part- circular cross section positioned to overlie, in. use, said t race (s ) .
5. The apparatus of clai 2, in which said datum means comprises an apertured member in said holding means, the aperture cooperating with the illuminating means to provide a fixed light spot.
6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, in which said datum means comprises an indicium printed on said carrier.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, for use in analysing generally circular charts having central apertures, in which said holding means includes a central boss dimensioned to receive one standard aperture, and there is provided a cap removably engageable over the boss and dimensioned to receive another standard aperture.
8. A method of analysing a tachograph or like chart, including illuminating the chart from behind, and imaging the front of the chart to provide a digitized video signal or numerical array.
PCT/GB1985/000587 1984-12-19 1985-12-16 Image analysis apparatus WO1986003867A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8431982 1984-12-19
GB848431982A GB8431982D0 (en) 1984-12-19 1984-12-19 Automatic chart analyser
GB8503588 1985-02-12
GB858503588A GB8503588D0 (en) 1984-12-19 1985-02-12 Image analysis apparatus
GB858518810A GB8518810D0 (en) 1984-12-19 1985-07-25 Image analysis
GB8518810 1985-07-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1986003867A1 true WO1986003867A1 (en) 1986-07-03

Family

ID=27262543

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1985/000587 WO1986003867A1 (en) 1984-12-19 1985-12-16 Image analysis apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0205529A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1986003867A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993008543A1 (en) * 1991-10-16 1993-04-29 Trutac Limited Method and apparatus for reading tachograph charts
EP0550080A1 (en) * 1991-10-18 1993-07-07 Wouterus Hendrikus Maria Dekkers Method and device for the automatic processing of data recorded on a tachograph chart
FR2700868A1 (en) * 1993-01-22 1994-07-29 Atcom Sarl Process and device for reading and processing information from a chronotachograph disk
EP0854450A2 (en) * 1997-01-17 1998-07-22 Mauro Balestra Method for microscopical evaluation of the tachograph discs

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3003066A (en) * 1959-02-25 1961-10-03 Benjamin L Snavely Gating circuit for scanning trace converter
US3639767A (en) * 1969-09-16 1972-02-01 Valentin Mikhailovich Sitniche Photoelectric tracer comprising two lenses or apertures located along a common radius from an axis of rotation
US3655948A (en) * 1969-04-26 1972-04-11 Kienzle Apparate Gmbh Apparatus for automatically evaluating recordings on a record carrier
FR2107647A5 (en) * 1970-09-14 1972-05-05 Itek Corp
GB1354335A (en) * 1971-12-15 1974-06-05 Atomic Energy Authority Uk Apparatus for causing relative movement of a point along a trace
US3829660A (en) * 1971-11-19 1974-08-13 H Ruhl Pen chart analyser
US3908081A (en) * 1972-02-03 1975-09-23 Efficient Instr Corp Apparatus for converting graph data into a form suitable for computer processing
US3982105A (en) * 1973-11-16 1976-09-21 Tvi-Television Industrielle S.A. Device for the automatic reading and evaluation of recorded curves
FR2305799A1 (en) * 1975-03-24 1976-10-22 Smiths Industries Ltd PROCEDURE FOR READING TACHOGRAPHIC RECORDINGS
FR2344076A1 (en) * 1976-03-09 1977-10-07 Messerschmitt Boelkow Blohm INSTALLATION OF ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN PLANNED DOCUMENTS
DE3221823A1 (en) * 1982-06-09 1983-12-15 Ainedter Beteiligungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, 5020 Salzburg Semiautomatic digitising method

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3003066A (en) * 1959-02-25 1961-10-03 Benjamin L Snavely Gating circuit for scanning trace converter
US3655948A (en) * 1969-04-26 1972-04-11 Kienzle Apparate Gmbh Apparatus for automatically evaluating recordings on a record carrier
US3639767A (en) * 1969-09-16 1972-02-01 Valentin Mikhailovich Sitniche Photoelectric tracer comprising two lenses or apertures located along a common radius from an axis of rotation
FR2107647A5 (en) * 1970-09-14 1972-05-05 Itek Corp
US3829660A (en) * 1971-11-19 1974-08-13 H Ruhl Pen chart analyser
GB1354335A (en) * 1971-12-15 1974-06-05 Atomic Energy Authority Uk Apparatus for causing relative movement of a point along a trace
US3908081A (en) * 1972-02-03 1975-09-23 Efficient Instr Corp Apparatus for converting graph data into a form suitable for computer processing
US3982105A (en) * 1973-11-16 1976-09-21 Tvi-Television Industrielle S.A. Device for the automatic reading and evaluation of recorded curves
FR2305799A1 (en) * 1975-03-24 1976-10-22 Smiths Industries Ltd PROCEDURE FOR READING TACHOGRAPHIC RECORDINGS
FR2344076A1 (en) * 1976-03-09 1977-10-07 Messerschmitt Boelkow Blohm INSTALLATION OF ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN PLANNED DOCUMENTS
DE3221823A1 (en) * 1982-06-09 1983-12-15 Ainedter Beteiligungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, 5020 Salzburg Semiautomatic digitising method

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1993008543A1 (en) * 1991-10-16 1993-04-29 Trutac Limited Method and apparatus for reading tachograph charts
GB2275336A (en) * 1991-10-16 1994-08-24 Philip Cyril West Method and apparatus for reading tachograph charts
GB2275336B (en) * 1991-10-16 1995-08-23 Philip Cyril West Method and apparatus for reading tachograph charts
EP0550080A1 (en) * 1991-10-18 1993-07-07 Wouterus Hendrikus Maria Dekkers Method and device for the automatic processing of data recorded on a tachograph chart
FR2700868A1 (en) * 1993-01-22 1994-07-29 Atcom Sarl Process and device for reading and processing information from a chronotachograph disk
EP0854450A2 (en) * 1997-01-17 1998-07-22 Mauro Balestra Method for microscopical evaluation of the tachograph discs
EP0854450A3 (en) * 1997-01-17 2001-05-02 Mauro Balestra Method for microscopical evaluation of the tachograph discs

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0205529A1 (en) 1986-12-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0188272B1 (en) Sensor aligning means for optical reading apparatus
CA1323207C (en) Densitometer method and system for identifying and analyzing printed targets
US4841155A (en) Indicator arrangement for motor vehicles
US4777515A (en) Image recording apparatus
CA2595354C (en) System and method for optically imaging objects on a detection device by means of a pinhole aperture
EP1033569B1 (en) Optical inspection method and apparatus with removable inserts
DE69033744D1 (en) White balance adjustment device for automatic adjustment of the white balance in dependence on the color information signal from an image recording device
ATE222360T1 (en) AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT PROCESSES AND REAGENTS FOR DETERMINING AUTHENTICITY AND CHECKING PRODUCTS
ATE95000T1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF ADMISSION TICKETS.
EP0569718A3 (en)
DE798567T1 (en) Measuring device for checking the location of a vehicle and sensor therefor
GB2284290A (en) Vehicle identifier.
WO1986003867A1 (en) Image analysis apparatus
US5844681A (en) Spectral densitometer
EP1752773A3 (en) Test strip analyzing apparatus
US4250389A (en) Device for identifying x-ray films
DE69307061D1 (en) Device for analyzing information carriers on tickets
DE3854624D1 (en) Device for multiple information recording in an electronic musical instrument.
AU585466B2 (en) Method and apparatus for distinguishing photoluminescent and reflecting surfaces in forensic science applications
EP0608297B1 (en) Method and apparatus for reading tachograph charts
US20040233418A1 (en) False note detecting device and an electric bulb for use in detecting a false note
JPS5813301Y2 (en) Vehicle operation recorder lighting system
DE68904340D1 (en) DEVICE FOR FORMING LATEN MAGNETIC IMAGES ON A RECORDING CARRIER IN A PRINTER.
NL9101746A (en) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC PROCESSING OF TACHOGRAPHIC DATA.
JP2510780Y2 (en) Sample tube holder

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LU NL SE

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1986900209

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1986900209

Country of ref document: EP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1986900209

Country of ref document: EP

点击 这是indexloc提供的php浏览器服务,不要输入任何密码和下载