Video image processor and method for detecting vehicles

A method for processing video images, said method comprising the steps of:

• generating a plurality of multi-spectral video images;
• superimposing an electronic video loop over said generated video images to define designated areas for extracting color data;
• converting a plurality of analog color data contained in said generated video images to a plurality of digital color data for subsequent signal processing;
• extracting said digital color data from said designated areas of said generated video images;
• separating said digital color data from a plurality of digital intensity data within a digital signal processor and providing said digital color data to a central processing unit;
• and
• utilizing said separated and extracted digital color data for identifying a color distinguishable from a background color.

A method for detecting the presence of vehicles, said method comprising the steps of:

• generating a plurality of multi-spectral video images of a scene;
• superimposing an electronic video loop over said generated video images to define designated areas for extracting color data;
• converting a plurality of analog color data contained in said generated video images to a plurality of digital color data for subsequent signal processing;
• extracting said digital color data from said designated areas of said generated video images;
• separating said digital color data from a plurality of digital intensity data within a digital signal processor and providing said digital color data to a central processing unit;
• accumulating a histogram of roadway color data within a storage array for providing an estimate of a plurality of background roadway color data;
• detecting color changes within said generated video images when compared to said estimate of background roadway color data;
• and
• determining if a detected color change in a generated video image indicates a color other than said estimated background roadway color data and the presence of a vehicle.

A video image processor comprising:

• multi-spectral video source means for generating a plurality of video images;
• color digitizing means for converting a plurality of analog color data contained in said generated video images to a plurality of digital color data for subsequent signal processing;
• processing means for extracting said digital color data from designated areas of said generated video images;
• and
• computing means for utilizing said extracted digital color data for identifying a color distinguishable from a background color.

A video image processor for detecting the presence of vehicles comprising:

• multi-spectral video source means for generating a plurality of multi-spectral video images;
• color digitizing means for converting a plurality of analog color data contained in said generated video images to a plurality of digital color data for subsequent signal processing;
• processing means for extracting said digital color data from designated areas of said generated video images and separating said digital color data from digital intensity data contained in said generated video images;
• and
• computing means for providing an accumulated estimate of background roadway color data for detecting color changes within said generated video images, said computer means determining if a detected color change indicates a color other than said estimated background roadway color data and the presence of a vehicle.