Since video image processing highly depends on the quality of the image received, a high quality input source is required. After all, the camera functions as the eye of the system!

Prior to installation, Traficon can provide assistance in the selection and positioning of the camera. Traficon also provides the service of testing a camera on its performance for detection.

Cameras for Video Detection: Characteristics

FIXED cameras

Fixed cameras are certainly preferred for use of video detection.

Whether they are used for incident detection or traffic data acquisition, the minimum requirements are:

• CCIR/EIA 1Vpp (+/- 20%)
• CCD
• Slow iris regulation
• No AGC
• No frame accumulation
• Infrared filter
• No blooming
• Good contrast

Cabling for transmission of the video signal is:

• RG59 coax cable for distances up to 300m
• RG11 coax cable for distances up to 500m

PTZ cameras

Pan tilt zoom cameras enable road operators to watch traffic and road infrastructure from different camera positions and various angles, wide-angle view or close-up. Traficon now offers a reliable solution for its video detection system on PTZ cameras. Traficon's video detection modules can store multiple configurations on one VIP board, adapted to the traffic situation and providing accurate and useful information on traffic data and events.

Camera Position

The optimal camera position depends on the type of application (data acquisition, incident or presence detection) and the restrictions imposed by the environment.

In general, cameras should be placed as high as possible and in the middle of the detection zone (road - tunnel roof). If this is not possible, placement near the fastest lane is preferred (to avoid occlusion, i.e. slow moving trucks masking other vehicles on adjacent lanes).

It is preferable to mount the camera on a stable fixation (especially for long distance applications).

Field of view & Detection zone

The field of view depends on the height and the objective (lens) of the camera.

For detecting stopped vehicles, the detection zone is usually limited to 350m outside and to 20 times the camera height inside a tunnel.

No horizon may be seen in the image. Sunlight shining directly into the lens must be avoided.

A camera with a high vertical inclination (i.e. nearly looking straight down) provides a clearer distinction between consecutive vehicles.

top